Osage Nation to Co-host Drone Conference that Focuses on Public Safety

Published October 5, 2019

TULSA, Okla. — Drones have proven to be effective to combat crime, help firefighters and assist with
search and rescue while keeping individuals out of harm’s way. As more and more law
enforcement agencies, first responders, and emergency management organizations use
Unmanned Aircraft Systems, or drones, the need for training and sharing best practices
grows.

“The integration of small Unmanned Aircraft Systems has significantly increased the safety of law enforcement personnel and the efficiency in which investigations are completed,” Matt Varney, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics agent in charge/sUAS program manager said.

A study by Bard College estimated 910 state and local police, sheriff, fire and emergency services agencies in the U.S. had drones in 2018, increasing more than 80% from the year before. That number is only expected to continue to rise this year.

The 2019 Public Safety Drone Conference will bring together experts for three days, November 5-7, 2019, in the field for demonstrations, presentations, industry panels and networking opportunities. Industry leaders, FAA experts and presenters from California, Colorado, D.C., Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, New York, Pennsylvania, and Texas will take part. Day passes or full conference passes are available.

“Public safety uses for drone technology continue to grow.This conference will provide valuable information to help build and operate an effective program,” Mason Goode, Osage Nation Police Department officer said.

The conference is open to federal, state, local and tribal agencies, fire departments, emergency medical professionals, and disaster response and emergency management. Law enforcement officers licensed in the state of Oklahoma can receive up to 24 hours of mandatory continuing education credit by the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training. Attendees from other states may seek reciprocal accreditation through their respective state’s training accreditation authority.

The event is presented in partnership with Osage Nation and Tulsa Community College.