West Houston News

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Troy E. Nehls (R-TX-22) introduced the bipartisan Drone Research and Innovation for Law Enforcement Act of 2023, which aims to establish a pilot research program within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to enable law enforcement officers to use non-lethal de-escalation unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This initiative is intended to lead to safer outcomes for officers and the communities they serve.

With the ever-present risks faced by law enforcement officers in their line of duty, advancements in technology provide an opportunity to reduce these risks for both officers and citizens involved in high-risk scenarios. By utilizing de-escalation drones, law enforcement officers will be able to cover larger distances in a shorter amount of time, significantly altering public safety outcomes.

The drones used in the pilot research program will be manufactured in the United States, promoting the ongoing innovation of American-made technology and reducing reliance on Chinese-manufactured unmanned aerial systems (UAS).

"Allowing law enforcement officers to use non-lethal drones to de-escalate high-risk situations is nothing but common sense. It is imperative that those who put their lives on the line to serve us are equipped with the tools they need to protect communities across the nation. I will always support my brothers and sisters in blue," said Congressman Nehls, a former law enforcement officer.

Congressman Finstad also expressed his support for the bill, stating, "With record-high levels of violent crime in our country, our law enforcement officers need every available resource to keep our communities safe. Drones and other non-lethal de-escalation technologies ensure that our officers can do their jobs safely and effectively, ultimately resulting in safer outcomes. I’m proud to help introduce this legislation, which will help give law enforcement greater access to the technologies that increase safety for officers and the communities they protect."

Congressman Davis added, "For the sake of our communities and public protectors, we must use all tools available to improve public safety. The bipartisan Drone Research and Innovation for Law Enforcement Act of 2023 will reduce the risk of deadly encounters by leveraging non-lethal technology to de-escalate potential conflicts. By using drone technology, we can take a meaningful step toward enhancing the safety of the American people."

Other cosponsors of the Drone Research and Innovation for Law Enforcement Act of 2023 include Representatives Wesley Hunt (R-TX-38), Brad Finstad (R-MN-01), Michael Guest (R-MS-03), Don Davis (D-NC-05), and Clay Higgins (R-LA-03).

For more information on the Drone Research and Innovation for Law Enforcement Act of 2023, please visit the official document.