The use of drones for emergency response in urban settings: suggestions for policy and practice

The use of drones for emergency response in urban settings: suggestions for policy and practice Michael Leo John Jay College of Criminal Justice Department of Security, Fire and Emergency Management michael.leo@jjay.cuny.edu... [ view full abstract ]

The use of drones for emergency response in urban settings: suggestions for policy and practice

Michael Leo
John Jay College of Criminal Justice
Department of Security, Fire and Emergency Management
michael.leo@jjay.cuny.edu


Using drones or unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), for emergency response in urban settings is a cost-effective way of reducing risks for first responders and to speed up search and rescue operations resulting in more lives saved. For instance, drones can be used for reconnaissance, mapping, victim detection, communication relays and to perform operational tasks at emergencies. The paramount advantage of operating an unmanned system includes its unique ability to execute missions with minimal risk to personnel while having the ability to safely monitor ground units. However, the use of drones for emergency response, in particular, in urban settings is in its infancy both in the United States and worldwide. Impediments to a more widespread use and implementation of drones is the lack of policies and operational guidelines aimed at solving questions about the safe integration of drones into controlled airspace as well as protecting people on the ground. This paper will provide suggestions for developing operating guidelines and policies that are based on qualitative analysis of literature along with the comparison of best practices that exist in the emergency management field. Devising solutions for drone integration as it pertains to policy and practice is momentous for emergency response agencies that are beginning to implement a program or contemplating the idea.