politics
NYPD Buys $6.5 Million in Drone Equipment Ahead of World Cup
The New York Police Department has purchased $6.5 million in drone mitigation equipment and received new authority to counter drones that pose safety risks. The measures come before the FIFA World Cup events in June and U.S. 250th anniversary celebrations on July 4.
May 21, 6:07 PM·1m read1 source
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The department now has authority to take down drones that pose credible safety risks, a task previously handled only by federal agencies. Officials said the change stems from the Safer Skies Act passed by Congress in December.
"Over the past several months, we have purchased six and a half million dollars in drone mitigation equipment," Tisch told reporters. Officers have completed training with the FBI and are finalizing plans to work with the FBI on drone mitigation operations during FIFA-related events.
Officials said they will not discuss specific times or locations of operations for security reasons. Tisch stated that New Yorkers should know the department is preparing for the threat with the seriousness it demands.
She cited examples in Ukraine, Hezbollah, Hamas, and Israel, noting that the technology has progressed at a pace that is proliferating a threat. "This is not a hypothetical threat. It is a real threat that's being borne out elsewhere," Weiner said.
Barnacle warned that flying drones over World Cup events at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium is a federal crime. He said temporary flight restrictions will be established around special events, with violators facing fines up to $100,000, prison time, and seizure of the drone.
Local law enforcement agencies are now required to purchase equipment commensurate with federal mitigation capabilities, officials said.
