AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) announced Wednesday that it will be the first law enforcement agency in the United States to use new technology aimed at detecting and responding to drones that pose a potential threat.
DPS said the Airborne Unmanned Aircraft Systems (ACUS) was a “cutting-edge technology installed on helicopters” to help ensure public safety and protect emergency operations.
“This significant advance represents a significant milestone in the future of air safety and threat mitigation, enhancing DPS’s ability to protect its personnel and the public during high-risk missions such as disaster response, border operations and criminal patrol flights,” the department said.
During deadly flash floods in Kerr County in July, a rescue helicopter was taken out of service after it collided with a private drone flying in the area.
Integrating ACUS into the aviation fleet allows for rapid detection of hostile or unauthorized drones, said Stacy Holland, senior pilot in DPS’ Aircraft Operations Division.
“As the use of drones continues to evolve and expand across the country, so does the potential for these devices to be misused in ways that threaten public safety and law enforcement operations,” Holland said.
Holland said the new technology will allow DPS to protect its aircrews, ground personnel and the community.
According to DPS, there is only one DPS helicopter currently installed on ACUS.
“This new system is intended solely for detection and situational awareness purposes, and no enforcement or interdiction actions will be taken directly from the helicopter,” DPS said. “Instead, it provides pilots with important information to maintain safety and awareness in the skies.”
According to the department, ACUS provides precise geolocation of the drone and its operator.
“By integrating this technology into its operations, DPS is taking a major step forward in ensuring the safety of aircrews, first responders and the communities we serve,” DPS said.