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File Photo by Philip B. Poston/Sentinel Colorado
AURORA | The Aurora City Council on Monday approved a resolution to assist, respond, detect, detain and investigate drone operators flying too close to Buckley Space Force Base.
“This agreement does not declare additional jurisdiction nor limit or modify the existing jurisdiction vested in the parties,” the agreement said. “This agreement is intended only to provide primary responsibilities for the specific subject matter of Unmanned Aerial Systems incursions into Buckley Space Force Base airspace from outside the installation.”
Under the agreement, the Aurora Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation will respond to reports of drones, or Unmanned Aerial Systems, activity around the base. They will collaborate with Buckley law enforcement, including the 460th Security Forces Squadron.
The resolution authorizes approval of an intergovernmental agreement between the three agencies to work against possible threats to national defense airspace around the base.
“Promoting safety in our built environment through effective administration of city codes and ordinances and responding to emergencies appropriately to preserve and enhance the community’s sense of security and well-being” is the strategic outcome of the agreement, according to the city council packet.
Aurora has for decades worked to ensure the future of base, addressing concerns about the encroachment of development and lobbying to guarantee needed airspace for the bases’ flight mission.
The joint response will allow Aurora police to take responsibility for civilian suspects outside the base within five miles of the base’s perimeter until federal authorities take jurisdiction. The FBI will also coordinate efforts when federal offenses are suspected.
The agreement will also encourage mutual training exercises and public outreach on drone regulations.