ALEA to launch public safety drone event
New event aimed primarily at those working with drones in police, firefighting and search and rescue roles.
The US-based Airborne Law Enforcement Association (ALEA) has revealed plans to hold its first Public Safety Drone EXPO from 16 to 19 October. This inaugural event is intended to bring together public safety industry leaders, educators, decision makers and end-users to share the latest in unmanned air vehicle (UAV) technology innovations and education. It is aimed primarily at those working with drones in police, firefighting and search and rescue roles.
ALEA explained that the number of UAVs in operation has increased rapidly in recent years: “The public safety drone industry is expanding at a rapid pace. A recent study identified at least 347 state and local police, sheriff, fire and emergency units across 43 states that have acquired drones, the majority in the last year, with local law enforcement leading the way. The [Federal Aviation Administration] estimates that ‘the fleet of small hobbyists UAS will more than triple’ by [2021], increasing from ‘1.1 million vehicles in 2016’ to ‘3.5 million’. They also estimate that commercial UAS operators will also increase, growing from 42,000 in 2016 to 442,000 in [2021].”
Taking place in New Orleans, Louisiana, the EXPO will offer a combination of interactive public safety specific UAS courses, classes and general sessions, said ALEA.