The Secret Service will test a new drone as a security measure at one of Trump’s golf clubs

9 months ago

The US Secret Service has said it will test the use of a drone as an additional means to provide security to President Donald Trump.

The president is due to visit one of his golf clubs in New Jersey later this month, and the government agency has said it will use the trip to test a small, tethered drone as a means of surveillance and security.

According to the agency, the craft is a “proof of concept” that is being used to determine whether or not drones could be a viable security option for future events.

The drone in question will use a microfilament tether that will provide power to the drone, while also sending secure video footage captured by the craft back to its operating unit.

The drone will also feature electro-optical and infrared cameras.

According to Reuters, the drone will be used at an altitude of 300 to 400 feet and will focus on the outer perimeter and protection zone in place around the golf course while Trump is there.

To help with any privacy concerns, images or video captured will be overwritten within 30 days if not needed as part of a law enforcement investigation.

Tethered drones have been used as part of security in the US before – the crafts were part of surveillance at the Boston Marathon earlier this year.