Drones challenge US security scheme at World Cup

Drones challenge US security scheme at the World Cup
REUTERS/Jair F. Coll
Those responsible for security planning for the World Cup in the United States are preparing for drones to represent one of the most complex threats of the tournament. North American authorities seek to protect stadiums, fan gathering areas, team hotels, training centers and transportation routes in several cities and jurisdictions in the United States.
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Industry executives say the concern ranges from fans looking for images for social media to possible surveillance actions capable of monitoring team movements, security standards and restricted areas.
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Melissa Swisher, chief revenue officer at SkySafe, a drone detection and airspace security company, said cheap aircraft have "fundamentally changed" security planning for major sporting events because they can enter restricted areas before authorities can react. "When someone sees it, it's already too late."
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Swisher said the most likely use during the World Cup could be surveillance, rather than an aircraft carrying a payload. Drones could be used to study security standards, monitor team movements or obtain unauthorized images. Others could be flown by amateurs, the media or fans who don't understand the temporary flight restrictions, she said.
Drones can bypass conventional stadium security such as blocking posts, magnetometers and expanded perimeters for pedestrians, said Tom Adams, director of public safety at counter-drone company DroneShield and a former FBI agent.
"You have something that can bypass all of these traditional security measures and go right over everything," Adams said. "In many cases, it's just a careless and uninformed person who wants to take a cool photo to post on their social media page."
Companies specializing in combating drones are working with public security agencies and law enforcement authorities to build detection networks around tournament sites. SkySafe said its sensors can identify drone signals, track flight paths and, when possible, locate the operator.
DroneShield is supporting a deployment in the Kansas City region led by police and regional partners to help detect drones in multiple jurisdictions.
Executives said shooting down drones is rarely a simple option in crowds, as debris can put bystanders at risk. Identifying the operator may be the safest response when a drone appears to be gathering information rather than posing an immediate physical threat.
The Trump administration has reportedly spent $250 million since December to help U.S. host cities deal with drone threats.
The funding, distributed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to 11 host states and Washington, D.C., is intended to help track and mitigate unauthorized aircraft. On game days, planes and drones will be prohibited within 3 miles of stadiums and up to 3,000 feet in altitude, in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration restrictions.

Source: G1

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