Counter-Drone Technology

Guidance was recently released by Attorney General William Barr to steer the Justice Department and its component agencies’ use of protective counter drone actions and technologies against unmanned aircraft systems that threaten its facilities and assets or the nation’s security.

The 22-page document provided the department’s entities with jurisdiction to intercept, disrupt, damage and, in certain cases, destroy unmanned, remotely piloted aircraft or systems that pose significant hazards.

The guidance also includes several privacy protections.  In some cases, for instance, officials may intercept communications from risky drones, but they can on retain the records and contents for up to 180 days.  Further, it also lays out the considerations Justice organizations should make ahead of acquiring the technology.  Officials are encouraged to consider systems that “minimize the risks” of harm to bystanders and the national airspace, as well as those that meet the agency’s cybersecurity requirements.

How the Justice Department is Permitted to Use Counter-Drone Technology