Virginia's rules, which were enacted earlier this year, make it the 12th US state to require its law enforcement agencies to get a warrant before using them. Sheriff Ronnie Oakes of Wise County has had two quadcopter drones ready for over a year but said: 'I would want them to have some more experience before turning them loose to use it for a search warrant.'

Firefighters

The Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership has held two sessions for firefighters and members of other emergency services to explain the rules to them. Executive director Rose Mooney said: 'Each law enforcement agency is trying to get their heads around what they can do and the costs and what they need.'

Lots of issues

The Virginia Beach Police Department is researching potential use. Officer James Cason said: 'Currently, the research is going toward looking at after-action reviews of events such as a natural disaster, like severe storms that come up the coast. It’s a new technology. There are a lot of issues that have to be discussed and addressed.'

Drone law development

The development of laws to cover drones and other robots is a major theme of Robotics Law Journal. The first issue is due out shortly. Anyone wishing to receive a free sample issue should send an email to the editor at [email protected] 

Sources: Washington Times and Robotics Law Journal