FBI Outlines Pathway for State and Local Counter-Drone Authority

Safer Skies Act and new federal training programs shape the future of counter-UAS operations for public safety agencies

At the DRONERESPONDERS National Public Safety UAS Conference held in Williamsburg, Virginia on March 10, 2026, federal officials outlined how new legislation and training programs could expand counter-drone capabilities for state and local agencies. DRONERESPONDERS is a global non-profit program advancing public safety UAS, counter-UAS (cUAS), and Advanced Air Mobility.

During a presentation focused on counter-drone authority, FBI representative Mike Torphy discussed how the Safer Skies Act and new training pathways may shape the role of state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) agencies in addressing unauthorized drone activity. The second day of the conference focused heavily on counter-UAS issues as public safety agencies across the United States continue to encounter drones near critical events and infrastructure.

A Framework for Local Counter-Drone Operations

The Safer Skies Act establishes a legal pathway for expanded counter-UAS authority, but full implementation will require additional federal rulemaking. Until those rules are finalized, state and local agencies cannot independently deploy mitigation technologies.

Instead, SLTT operators currently participate through FBI task force deputization, allowing them to operate under federal authority during certain operations.

Torphy explained that the law outlines several core elements for counter-UAS implementation, including which agencies have operational authority, what locations or assets can be protected, required training and certification, authorized counter-UAS technologies, grant eligibility and funding mechanisms, interim operational pathways, and penalties and enforcement for unauthorized use of drones.

These provisions aim to provide a structured approach to the growing challenge of unauthorized drone activity while maintaining consistent federal oversight.

National Counter-UAS Training Efforts

Training is a central component of the new framework. According to Torphy, the National Counter UAS Training Center is currently responsible for delivering counter-drone instruction for law enforcement agencies.

The FBI itself conducts counter-drone operations at roughly 14 major events each year, including high-profile gatherings such as the Super Bowl. Operational lessons from these missions have now been incorporated into a standardized two-week training course run by the FBI.

The program is currently the only officially sanctioned training authority for operational counter-UAS activity.

The training model reflects the layered approach commonly used in counter-drone operations: detection, identification, and mitigation. Detection focuses on identifying the presence of a drone. Identification seeks to determine the drone’s operator or intent. Mitigation involves safely neutralizing or stopping the aircraft when authorized.

Under the expected framework, detection may eventually become easier for qualified agencies to implement. The FBI predicts that agencies will eventually be able to complete brief online training and develop internal policy guidance before deploying detection technologies.

Mitigation tools, however, would require more extensive in-person training and certification due to the higher operational risks.

Guardrails Designed to Protect Civil Liberties

A key theme of the presentation was the importance of maintaining public trust while expanding counter-drone capabilities.

Federal officials expect future counter-UAS operations to operate under strict guardrails. These may include clearly defined missions and time-limited authorities, certified and trained personnel, the use of authorized technologies only, coordination with the FAA, federal oversight of operations, and explicit prohibitions on First Amendment monitoring.

These safeguards aim to balance the need for security with civil liberties and privacy protections.

Preparing for Major Events

Another priority highlighted during the session is preparation for major international events in the United States. Jurisdictions hosting 2026 FIFA World Cup matches are expected to receive priority for counter-UAS training and resources.

As drone use continues to expand, large public events are increasingly viewed as environments where both safety planning and airspace awareness are critical.

Torphy emphasized that federal agencies intend to work closely with public safety partners as these frameworks evolve.

“We’re ready to help you,” he told the audience of public safety drone professionals.

Building a National Counter-Drone Ecosystem

For many public safety agencies, the Safer Skies Act represents an important step toward clearer authority and operational guidance. While full implementation still depends on federal rulemaking, the emerging structure suggests a future where trained local agencies can play a more direct role in detecting and responding to drone threats.

Conversations at the DRONERESPONDERS conference underscored that cooperation between federal agencies and public safety organizations will remain essential as the counter-UAS ecosystem continues to develop.

Miriam McNabb

Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.

TWITTER:@spaldingbarker

Subscribe to DroneLife here.