The use of drones in and around Lexington is being discussed at City Hall. Government officials say public use of unmanned aircraft is an evolving conversation.
There are federal aviation guidelines about where to operate drones, but public use generally is not prohibited. There is an FAA rule than bans use within 5 miles of Bluegrass Airport. Drones often feature high powered camera equipment, and council member Richard Moloney told members of the Public Safety Committee this week that he’s worried about who has access to them. “I have concerns if these things get in the wrong hands," Moloney said. "You got sex offenders and people with records. Is that something that locally has to be done or is that something we have to do as a state?” asked Moloney. “I think the state is gonna be your answer I believe.”
Lexington Police Chief Mark Barnard says there are no local laws prohibiting the use of the unmanned aircraft. “I just don’t want to give the impression that if you fly a drone that’s illegal, we’re coming in confiscating your drone, and taking it and you can’t do it," Barnard said. "It’s not the drone that’s illegal. It’s the operation of it, if it’s not within FAA guidelines."
Barnard says local police enforcement only occurs if the drone is operated in an unsafe manner. A UK student earlier this fall was charged with wanton endangerment after a drone crashed inside Commonwealth Stadium.
The police chief says his office will be watching Frankfort lawmakers in 2016 to see if they take any action on drones. Barnard says his division is interested in purchasing drones to help with traffic issues and investigate crime scenes.?
