The unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) industry is primed for take off as the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) nears it decision on the use of commercial drones in U.S. airspace. With commercial applications such as agriculture, real estate and even mining and construction waiting for the FAA’s regulations, the industry is poised for dramatic growth.

Maintaining security in U.S. cities, states and borders is a round-the-clock job for domestic law enforcement agents. With new threats emerging every day, keeping a close watch by land, air and sea requires the use and adoption of innovative new technologies, which has included unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in recent years.

While the unmanned aircraft system (UAS) itself bears little resemblance to the drones making huge headlines, military and defense applications were the predecessors to modern day operational intelligence (OI) technology that has the potential to revolutionize commercial markets. In fact, the new OI applications on the market are enabling UAS technologies large and small to connect to greater situational awareness.

Mobile technology is making the days of working behind a desk from 9 to 5 a thing of the past. As smartphones, mobile apps and WiFi connectivity become more ubiquitous, working from anywhere and at anytime is a very real possibility.

The headlines are full of articles about technology advancements that can help save lives in law enforcement – from improved body armor materials to thermal imagers that can zero in on hidden suspects and evidence.

Public fascination with unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) – particularly commercial drones – was piqued in December 2013. That’s when Amazon broke the news that it planned to use drones for deliveries, starting a scramble among commercial companies to implement similar technology that continues to gather steam with Amazon’s recent patent grant for drone delivery.