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Secret Service Testing Drones in Restricted D.C. Airspace After Security Scare
LAS VEGAS, NV - JANUARY 04: A DJI Inspire 1 is displayed during a press event at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center for the 2015 International CES on January 4, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The USD 2,895 quadcopter can fly up to 18 minutes and shoot up to 4K video and 12-megapixel still photos with the Inspire 1 camera. It has carbon fiber arms that lower and lift automatically on take-off and landing and lift out of sight in flight to allow an unrestricted 360-degree view for the camera. It also has an option for dual control where one person flies and another controls the camera. CES, the world's largest annual consumer technology trade show, runs from January 6-9 and is expected to feature 3,600 exhibitors showing off their latest products and services to about 150,000 attendees.
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Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Secret Service Testing Drones in Restricted D.C. Airspace After Security Scare

After a security scare in January, the Secret Service will be flying drones over restricted Washington airspace, including over the White House, as a means of testing security, the Associated Press reported.

The drone flying will be conducted over the next several weeks between the hours of 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. in order to be less obstructive, the AP reported. Flying at night reduces the chance of radio jamming affecting Washington area homes and businesses and Internet and phone service.

Much of Washington is a no-fly zone, but the Federal Aviation Administration has authorized the Secret Service to fly drones over D.C. airspace.

A quadcopter drone piloted by an off-duty government employee landed on the White House lawn in January, prompting concerns about the possibility of breaches by air. The Secret Service said the drone landing appeared to be an accident.

An official told the AP the Secret Service is testing drones for its own law enforcement use and to determine how to defend against a potential hostile drone, including using signal-jamming technology.

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Fred Lucas

Fred Lucas

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