The FBI and Atlanta Police Department are preparing for a massive security operation ahead of the World Cup semifinals between England and Argentina at Atlanta Stadium. Both agencies have used drones to search for potential threats on the ground and in the sky.

Drone Security Measures

The FBI is enforcing the Federal Aviation Administration’s Temporary Flight Restrictions around the venue. The FBI has confiscated more than 600 drones nationwide since the World Cup began, with 86 of those seized in Atlanta.

Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Atlanta Field Office Marlo Graham said the FBI uses a mechanism that allows agents to see unauthorized drones in restricted airspace. Agents then work to mitigate the threat posed by unknown drones.

The Atlanta Police Department’s Drone Unit has helped the FBI track down people suspected of flying in restricted zones. Sgt. Kindu Franklin said most of the people caught flying drones around World Cup venues are hobbyists with no intent to harm the crowd of soccer fans below.

Drone Unit Operations

The Atlanta Police Department’s drone mission is focused on surveillance. Officers are looking for potential threats, traffic issues, and people the FBI suspects are flying drones illegally.

Sgt. James Cunningham with APD’s Drone Unit said the drone docks are used year-round to help the police get an aerial view of emergency situations before officers arrive. The computer shows the drone pilot where all the police body cameras and vehicles are in the area, allowing them to communicate better with officers on the ground.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.