Pullman Police get drone certification

Pullman Police Department has received certification from the Federal Aviation Administration to operate drones. The certification is a Public Agency Unmanned Aircraft System Certificate of Authorization for drones under 55 pounds. Pullman purchased four drones last July after conducting two public meetings soliciting public input on drone policy, particularly to address privacy concerns.

The drones will be used for search and rescue, traffic coordination for post-game WSU football traffic, outdoor crime scenes and major traffic collision documentation. They could also be used in tactical depl...