FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug 23, 2017
Contact: Tom McMahon, tmcmahon@auvsi.org, (571) 255-7786

AUVSI and National Council on Public Safety UAS Announce Partnership

Organizations will jointly promote use of unmanned aircraft systems by public safety agencies

Arlington, Va. – The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) and the National Council on Public Safety UAS (NCPSU) have entered a partnership to encourage and promote the use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) by public safety agencies.

AUVSI and NCPSU will collaborate to create education and information programs and materials to facilitate the widespread adoption of UAS, also known as drones, among first responders. The partnership will also provide a forum for industry and the public safety community to review and evaluate the latest research and development in unmanned systems technology, as well as the products and services it enables to support mission-critical operations.

“The public safety community was an early adopter of drone technology and understands the many benefits it provides to our nation’s first responders,” said Brian Wynne, president and CEO of AUVSI. “Together, AUVSI and the National Council on Public Safety UAS will provide opportunities for the public safety community and the UAS industry to share ideas on creating tools and applications for police, firefighters, and other professionals who help ensure our safety and protection.”

There are many uses of UAS by public safety agencies. UAS provide firefighters with real-time aerial views of fires that enhance situational awareness. They can quickly survey wide areas of land and water for search-and-rescue missions. Unmanned systems are also making routine law enforcement duties more efficient, cost-effective and safer, such as conducting accident investigations and assessing traffic flow.

"The National Council on Public Safety UAS is excited about this new partnership with AUVSI to further advance the use of drones by public safety organizations,” said Charles Werner, chair of NCPSU. “AUVSI will help amplify efforts to share UAS information, best practices and training to public safety agencies through its outreach channels and conferences, and its membership."

# # #

About AUVSI
The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) — the world's largest non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of unmanned systems and robotics — represents more than 7,500 members from more than 60 countries involved in the fields of government, industry and academia. AUVSI members work in the defense, civil and commercial markets. For more information, visit AUVSI.org.

About NCPSU
The National Council on Public Safety UAS (NCPSU) was organized to advance public safety use of UAS through awareness, education, training, collaboration, best practices, FAA Rule-making, defining public safety requirements and general engagement. Separately, and equally as important, is to stay abreast of threats from nefarious uses of UAS and help facilitate the information and implementation of effective counter measures. For more information, visit publicsafetyuas.org.