Drones will be part of security operation as Republican convention begins in Dallas

The Secret Service and other federal, state and local agencies will use drones as part of the security operation surrounding the convention

DALLAS, Texas — If you look up over Dallas during the Republican midterm convention, you may see drones in the sky. But officials say those drones aren’t necessarily hobbyists or photographers.

The Secret Service and other federal, state and local agencies will use drones as part of the security operation surrounding the convention, which begins Wednesday.

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Temporary flight restrictions will also be in place during the two-day event. 

Brent Harris, assistant division chief with the Secret Service’s Aviation Airspace Security Division, said the agency is working with multiple law enforcement partners to develop the security plan.

“If there is a security concern, we’ll be able to see it from a different perspective,” Harris said.

The federal government has restricted unauthorized drone flights within a 3-mile radius of the convention area and up to 400 feet above the ground.

His advice for anyone unsure whether they can legally fly a drone in the area is straightforward. 

“If you’re not sure if you can fly there, don’t fly,” Harris said.

The Secret Service plans to operate dozens of drones around the clock as part of the security effort.

Officials say the drones provide an additional perspective for monitoring the area and identifying potential security concerns. The security operation extends well beyond the airspace above the convention.

Chris Steele, who lives and works in the area, said he is preparing for increased security and the changes it could bring to his normal routine.

“Security is going to be huge, which it needs to be,” Steele said. “I’m anticipating there’s going to be a lot of hoops to jump through.”

Several road closures are already in place around the American Airlines Center and Victory Park.

North Houston Street and Victory Avenue are closed, with additional closures extending toward Nowitzki Way, Payne Street and Field Street.

Drivers, pedestrians and people who live and work in the area should expect significant changes to normal traffic patterns while the convention is underway.

Harris said the Secret Service is working with federal and local partners to prepare for a range of potential security concerns. The temporary flight restrictions are one part of that larger plan.

The goal, officials say, is to provide an additional layer of security without disrupting the convention.

For people in Dallas, that means seeing more law enforcement, security barriers, road closures and drones around the convention area over the next several days.

And if you see a drone overhead, officials say it may be part of the security operation keeping watch from above.