Drones, a force multiplier for Departments throughout the Country
/Drones, a force multiplier for Departments throughout the Country
By: Ken Dye
Last July, former President Donald Trump was almost killed in an assassination attempt. The director of the USSS, in front of Congress, gave a lot of “I don’t knows” and “We have to wait for the investigation….” She tendered her resignation the following day.
One should have only one question on their mind, HOW? How did this person get to a position that he could have a clear shot at the former president? How, indeed!
The next question should be does the USSS have drones? If so, why weren’t they used? Good question.
This incident has thrown the unmanned drone as an adjunct to law enforcement into the forefront. It’s easy to say and pontificate about how things SHOULD have been done after the fact. Now is the time to move on this important and necessary tool in the department’s tool box.
Just think how easy it would have been for the USSS to deploy a drone prior to and during the former president’s appearance in Butler, Pa.
Upon a review of the air operations of the USSS as stated in the Department of Homeland Security Privacy Impact Assessment dated May 2022, it was determined that the USSS is still “discussing” the value and impact of drones. That’s well over two years ago.
If the USSS can’t perform the aerial surveillance and real-time situational awareness, perhaps they could rely on their state and local law enforcement partners to lend a hand and observe the area from above. Going to bet they have that capability and would be gracious in assisting in the security of statutorily protected persons!
Editor’s note: The U.S. Secret Service refused offers to use drones at former President Donald Trump's rally in Pennsylvania before the failed assassination attempt there. A whistleblower told Sen. Josh Hawley, “The night before the rally, U.S. Secret Service repeatedly denied offers from a local law enforcement partner to utilize drone technology to secure the rally.”
Ken Dye is the author of 5 books about crime, cops and bad guys in the St. Louis area. He Blogs under “Cops Perspective” and has over 20,000 followers. Ken served with the St. Louis County Police Department for 13 years and finished his LE career with the Illinois Criminal Justice Authority as the administrator for the statewide MEG’s and Narcotics Task Forces.
