Local Cops Get Official OK to Shoot Down Drones
Published Date: 7/6/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting July 1, 2026, state, local, Tribal, and territorial law enforcement and correctional agencies can officially use special tools and training to spot and stop unauthorized drones. This new rule sets clear steps for how they get certified, what tech they can use, and how to keep privacy safe—all while working with air traffic control. Agencies should get ready to follow these rules and can share their thoughts by September 4, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
9 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 5 costs, 1 mixed.
SLTT Agencies Authorized to Use C‑UAS
Starting July 1, 2026, State, local, Tribal, and territorial (SLTT) law enforcement and correctional agencies may lawfully carry out counter‑UAS (C‑UAS) operations under the rule when they meet the rule's conditions. The rule implements the SAFER SKIES Act framework that governs when and how SLTT agencies may detect, warn, seize, or mitigate unauthorized drones.
Two-Tier Training and Certification
The rule requires two certification tiers: a Detection and Warning Certification (delivered online) and a Mitigation Certification (delivered through the FBI National Counter‑UAS Training Center national schoolhouse). Only personnel with Mitigation Certification may execute mitigation actions that disrupt, seize control of, or destroy a UAS.
Authorized Technologies and Systems Lists
Agencies may use only technologies and systems that appear on an Authorized Technologies List and, when populated for a category, on an Authorized Systems List maintained via the Federal C‑UAS coordination portal. Category-level limits always apply; once the Authorized Systems List is populated for a category, agencies must use listed systems for that category.
FCC/Spectrum Approval Required for RF Systems
The rule preserves Communications Act requirements: SLTT agencies must obtain necessary FCC approvals and complete spectrum coordination before deploying any C‑UAS system that emits radio waves. RF‑emitting systems listed on the Authorized Systems List will have completed system-level spectrum evaluation before listing.
Contractor Operation Prohibited for Mitigation
Only officers and employees of SLTT agencies may operate systems that require the Act's authority; contractors are prohibited from operating mitigation systems. Contractors may still design, sell, install, maintain, provide technical support, and provide detection services using systems that do not require the Act's relief.
Penalties, Suspension, and Administrative Review
The rule implements statutory penalties: SLTT agencies and personnel who knowingly take unauthorized C‑UAS actions without required Federal coordination face civil fines and suspension of C‑UAS authority. A suspended certification or accreditation may be administratively reviewed if requested within 30 calendar days, and the reviewing official will issue a written determination within 60 calendar days.
Mutual Aid Access for Non‑Accredited Agencies
Accredited SLTT agencies may provide C‑UAS support to non‑accredited SLTT agencies via mutual aid or written arrangements; the accredited agency remains the operating agency and must supply certified personnel for actions requiring statutory authority.
Reporting, Notification, and Coordination Rules
Agencies must coordinate advance approvals, provide real‑time air traffic control notification for operations, submit a C‑UAS Operations Plan, self‑attest via the Federal C‑UAS coordination portal, and notify DHS and DOJ within 48 hours of any mitigation action taken.
Privacy and Data Handling Protections
SLTT agencies exercising C‑UAS authority must follow privacy protections in the rule and statute, including compliance with the First and Fourth Amendments, limits on certain data collection, and data retention limitations.
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Key Dates
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