Texas Leads the Way In Drone Safety Initiatives Nationwide

Every Christmas has its surprises, and one of my favorites came from my wife and kids, a drone. It’s incredible technology, giving me a bird’s-eye view of our property across several acres. But since I live just a few miles from Dyess Air Force Base, I’ve always been cautious. I don’t fly too high or too far because the last thing I want is to interfere with military airspace or put anyone in danger.

That’s why this new move by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) really caught my attention.

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DPS Takes Flight With First-in-the-Nation Technology

The Texas Department of Public Safety has become the first law enforcement agency in the nation to deploy Airborne Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems (ACUS), an advanced technology mounted on helicopters to detect drones that could threaten public safety or interfere with emergency operations.

This new system represents a major leap forward in aerial safety and threat detection. It’s now operational on one DPS helicopter, and officers have completed specialized training to operate and interpret its real-time data.

How It Works

The ACUS system identifies drones while in flight, alerting both pilots and dispatch teams instantly. What makes it remarkable is its precision, it can pinpoint not only a drone’s location but also the location of the operator on the ground.

This tech isn’t about taking enforcement action midair. Instead, it’s designed purely for detection and situational awareness, allowing pilots and ground crews to stay safe and aware during high-risk missions like disaster response, border operations, or criminal patrol flights.

Protecting Texans and the Skies Above Us

Chief Pilot Stacy Holland of DPS’s Aircraft Operations Division said it best: “As drone use continues to evolve, so does the potential for misuse. Integrating ACUS into our aviation fleet allows us to quickly detect, identify, and avoid hostile or unauthorized drones, protecting our aircrews, ground personnel, and the communities we serve.”

With this step, Texas isn’t just protecting its skies, it’s setting the national standard for drone safety and law enforcement innovation.

A Personal Note

So, the next time I send my drone up over our property, I’ll be extra mindful of where I am and what’s flying around me. Drones can be incredible tools for creativity and recreation, but as Texas DPS reminds us, safety always comes first, both on the ground and in the air.

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