ABSTRACT: Due to increasing system sophistication and affordability, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) are becoming more popular among hobbyists and businesses. UAS also pose a threat to homeland security as they could be used for nefarious activity such as preoperational surveillance or as weapons. Consequently, law enforcement officers and fusion centers have experienced an increase in suspicious activity reporting related to UAS. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not yet finalized a policy for integrating UAS into the national airspace, leaving law enforcement officers without a clear protocol for contact with UAS operators. This paper first examines UAS policy at the federal, state, and local levels. A discussion of recent incidents is provided to demonstrate the threat of UAS and the enforcement action taken. To bridge the gap between current policy and enforcement tools, this paper proposes a solution of creating local ordinances restricting UAS operations to protect critical infrastructure and preserve public safety.

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