Our Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) at the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office assists our deputies with “eyes in the sky” to conduct aerial searches in the case of missing persons, wanted individuals, or critical incident scenes. These “drones” are an asset to our agency in providing a bird’s eye view of a scene unfolding on the ground.
C-UAS – Counter Unmanned Aircraft System
Executive Summary – Research into Counter-Drone Preparedness in Monroe County
Why This Matters
Drones are becoming increasingly common in everyday life. They are widely used for photography, construction, agriculture, and by public safety agencies. However, drones are also being used in ways that threaten public safety. Across the United States, drones have been used to smuggle contraband into correctional facilities, conduct surveillance of sensitive locations, disrupt emergency operations, and violate restricted airspace.
These risks are not theoretical. Incidents at major events, airports, and correctional facilities demonstrate that drones can create real safety concerns. At the same time, international conflicts have shown how quickly commercially available drone technology can evolve and be adapted for harmful purposes.
Because of these trends, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office has been evaluating how local law enforcement can responsibly prepare for and respond to unauthorized or malicious drone activity.
What Was Studied
This project examined how law enforcement can responsibly address drone-related threats while staying within current legal limits.
The research included:
- Extensive interviews with federal, state, local, and private-sector experts involved in drone policy, technology, and public safety operations.
- Review of federal and New York State laws and policies governing drones and counter-drone operations.
- Analysis of congressional reports, government guidance, and industry white papers related to drone threats and counter-drone technology.
- Operational training observations and case studies involving drone incidents at correctional facilities, large public events, and other sensitive locations.
- Lessons from international conflicts, which demonstrate how quickly drone technology can evolve and be adapted for harmful purposes.
Together, these sources provided a comprehensive understanding of the legal environment, emerging threats, and practical challenges facing local law enforcement agencies.
What Local Law Enforcement Can Do Today
Under long-standing federal law, drones are treated as aircraft, and interfering with them—such as disabling, jamming, or taking control—has historically been restricted to certain federal agencies with specific statutory authority.
As a result, most state and local law-enforcement agencies currently focus on detecting and identifying drone activity rather than physically stopping drones. Detection tools allow agencies to:
- Monitor local airspace for drone activity
- Identify the operator when possible
- Investigate illegal or dangerous drone use
- Coordinate with federal partners who may have additional authorities
This approach improves situational awareness and allows law enforcement to respond safely and lawfully. In many jurisdictions, detection, investigation, and coordination with federal agencies remain the primary tools available to local law enforcement when responding to drone-related incidents.
Changes in Federal Law
Recent federal legislation, including provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, created a potential pathway for certain state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies to gain limited counter-drone authority in the future—an approach the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office supported and advocated for as part of broader public safety efforts.
Under this framework, eligible agencies may eventually be able to use federally approved technologies to track, intercept, or disable drones that pose a credible threat. However, these authorities are not automatically granted and are subject to strict federal requirements.
Before local agencies can use these capabilities, the federal government must finalize implementation rules, training standards, certification requirements, and oversight procedures. Agencies would also need specialized equipment, coordination with federal partners, and sustainable funding.
Key Findings from the Sheriff’s Office Review
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office conducted comprehensive research of the drone threat environment and how law enforcement can respond. Several clear conclusions emerged:
- Drone misuse is increasing nationwide, including surveillance, contraband delivery, and interference with public safety operations.
- Detection and monitoring of drone activity are currently the most practical tools available to local agencies.
- Strong partnerships with federal, state, and regional agencies are essential for responding to drone incidents.
- Training, clear policies, and public transparency are necessary to maintain trust while addressing emerging threats.
Preparing for the Future
To improve safety and readiness, the Sheriff’s Office is focusing on several priorities:
- Developing drone detection capabilities in high-risk areas
- Strengthening information sharing and coordination with regional, federal, and NYS partners Expanding training and preparedness for personnel who may support future counter-drone operations if authorized under federal law
- Pursuing grant funding and legislative support to build sustainable capabilities
- Advocate for MCSO to receive priority consideration for federal certification and advanced counter-UAS training, ensuring immediate readiness to operationalize new authorities upon federal implementation.
Looking Ahead
Drone technology will continue to evolve, and public safety agencies must adapt accordingly. By investing in detection, training, and coordination today, Monroe County can improve safety while ensuring any future counter-drone operations are conducted lawfully, responsibly, and with appropriate oversight.
The goal is simple: protect the community while staying prepared for the next generation of public safety challenges.