While drones have become well-established tools in public safety operations—particularly for emergency response and law enforcement—their utility in government operations is rapidly expanding into diverse and impactful areas.
These include infrastructure inspection, land surveying, environmental monitoring, traffic management, and even public communication during events. The Honorable Senator William Folden moderated an informative session at the There’s a Drone for That: Streamlining Public Services with Aerial Assistance.
Panel speakers included:
- Katherine Munson, Planning Manager, Natural Resources Division, Worcester County Department of Environmental Programs
- Leslie Knapp, Water & Science Administration Assistant Director, Maryland Department of Environment
- Nick Picerno, Captain/Director, Special Operations Division, Montgomery County Police
- Derek Bowersox, Unmanned Aircraft Systems, MD State Highway Administration
In Worcester, a drone program was launched this past year to support land protection initiatives. As Katherine Munson noted, this required careful attention to licensing and legal requirements, reflecting the regulatory framework surrounding government drone use.
Leslie Knapp highlighted the Maryland Department of the Environment’s (MDE) adoption of drones across several domains, including dam safety assessments, communications, emergency response, and site mapping. Crucially, drones enable access to hazardous or otherwise inaccessible locations, reducing risk to personnel.
Captain Nick Picerno emphasized the tactical advantages drones offer to law enforcement, such as providing real-time situational awareness and supporting field officers with up-to-date intelligence. They are also used in scene mapping, including reconstructions and damage assessments.
Derek Bowersox added that the State Highway Administration uses drones for scanning and mapping projects, confined space inspections, and rapid emergency response assessments, enhancing both safety and efficiency.
These examples illustrate how government agencies are leveraging drone technology to improve operational effectiveness, enhance safety, and reduce response times. As technology advances and regulations evolve, the integration of drones across government functions is likely to accelerate, offering even more innovative applications in the near future.
The session was on August 15th at the Roland Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, Maryland.
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