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.<\/p>\n
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Temporary flight restrictions will also be in place during the two-day event.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf there is a security concern, we’ll be able to see it from a different perspective,\u201d Harris said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
His advice for anyone unsure whether they can legally fly a drone in the area is straightforward.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you’re not sure if you can fly there, don’t fly,\u201d Harris said.<\/p>\n
The Secret Service plans to operate dozens of drones around the clock as part of the security effort.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cSecurity is going to be huge, which it needs to be,\u201d Steele said. \u201cI’m anticipating there’s going to be a lot of hoops to jump through.”<\/p>\n