WASHINGTON, D.C. –– Today, House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology Chairman Anthony D’Esposito (R-NY) and Subcommittee on Counterterrorism, Law Enforcement, and Intelligence Chairman August Pfluger (R-TX) announced a hearing for Thursday, May 16, during National Police Week, to examine how first responders are using unmanned aerial systems (UAS), or drones, to improve public safety in communities throughout the nation, while considering possible security vulnerabilities and privacy concerns.
 
“As first responder agencies continue to grapple with rapidly evolving threats to public safety, studying the value of drones in emergency situations can play a valuable role in enhancing first responder preparedness. Examining how drones can best assist first responders via information gathering during emergency situations or aiding law enforcement professionals operating in dangerous environments will undoubtedly provide emergency services personnel with enhanced tools to protect the public,” Subcommittee Chairman D’Esposito said. “As a retired NYPD detective and Chief of the Island Park Fire Department, I look forward to examining how drones and other emerging technology can positively impact our communities and improve public safety.”
 
“Drones have the potential to revolutionize the way law enforcement and first responders preserve public safety in our communities––but, as with any emerging technology, this comes with production challenges and risks in implementation. It is vital that we work to protect the United States against potential threats to U.S. counterintelligence efforts and critical infrastructure posed by UAS’s that are manufactured in foreign adversarial countries, including the People’s Republic of China,” Subcommittee Chairman Pfluger said.“Next week is an important opportunity to examine these challenges while highlighting how unmanned aerial systems and other technological advancements can help accomplish the homeland security mission and keep our law enforcement officers safe in the line of duty.”
 
DETAILS:
 
What: A joint hearing by the Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology and the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism, Law Enforcement, and Intelligence entitled, “Unmanned Aerial Systems and Emergency Response: The Impact of Drones and Other Emerging Technology on U.S. Law Enforcement.”
 
When: Thursday, May 16, 2024, at 10:00 AM ET
 
Where: 310 Cannon House Office Building
 
WITNESSES:

Kaz Daughtry
Deputy Commissioner, Operations, New York City Police Department

John M. Chell
Chief of Patrol, Patrol Services Bureau, New York City Police Department

Kevin Fetterman
Division Chief, Command and Emergency Planning, Orange County Fire Authority, On behalf of the International Association of Fire Chiefs

Rahul Sidhu
Founder and CEO, Aerodome

Michael Robbins
President and CEO, Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI)
 
Witness testimony will be added here. The hearing will be livestreamed on YouTube and will be open to the public and press. 

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