Gov. Stitt tackles drone sightings & safety in aerial threats
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) - Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt on Monday announced he is instructing the Department of Public Safety to protect Oklahomans against potential aerial threats.
The announcement comes after an uptick in reports of suspicious activity involving Unmanned Aircraft Systems (“UAS”) also known as drones, across the country, said Governor Kevin Stitt.
In safeguarding Oklahomans, Governor Stitt also focused on the state’s critical infrastructure, saying, “Drones and unmanned aerial systems are an exciting new industry here in Oklahoma, and we want to make sure that industry has room to thrive,” said Gov. Stitt. “This technology is new, and because of that, we don’t have all the measures in place to ensure Oklahomans are protected from those who would use this technology to harm others. That’s why I’ve instructed Commissioner Tipton to invest in UAS detection systems. This will ensure that drones can operate safely while law enforcement can keep Oklahomans safe.”
Stitt has directed Tim Tipton, Commissioner of Public Safety and Homeland Security Advisor, to immediately procure mobile counter-UAS detection systems to support state and local law enforcement in responding to recent UAS activity.
“The activity happening in New Jersey and across the country is unsettling. While we’ve only had a few reports of drone activity in Oklahoma, we want to be ready in case the need arises,” said Commissioner Tipton. “I’m glad Governor Stitt takes this threat seriously and will equip the Department of Public Safety adequately.”
According to the Governor's office, the UAS detection systems will arm our law enforcement agencies with the ability to detect and identify UAS activity.
Sitt noted that federal law generally prohibits disabling or destroying any UAS because federal rules consider drones to be a form of aircraft preventing state and local law enforcement from any activity that would interfere with the flight of a drone, including shooting it down.