The Fort Smith Police Department and the 188th Security Forces Squadron have signed a deal to boost teamwork on countering illegal drone activity in Fort Smith. The agreement, effective as of March 10, aims to improve public safety and enforce airspace rules by pooling their skills and tools.
The 188th SFS, based at Ebbing Air National Guard Base, uses high-tech gear to spot and track drones in restricted zones. Flying a drone in these areas is a Class A misdemeanor under Arkansas law.
The FSPD handles local law enforcement, including drone trespassing cases. Under the new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the 188th will alert police with exact locations of rogue drones, while FSPD officers will investigate and confront operators if needed.
“This is a big move for community safety,” said Major Nathan Sosebee, 188th SFS Commander. “Our combined efforts will tackle unauthorized drones head-on.” FSPD Chief Danny Baker added, “This partnership strengthens our ability to enforce laws and keep Fort Smith safe.”
The deal lasts until January 1, 2035, unless canceled with 30 days’ notice. The two groups will share data through the FSPD’s dispatch system and run joint patrols near the base for faster responses. Officials say this isn’t about a spike in drone issues but builds on existing efforts to secure the skies.
Residents are asked to report suspicious drones near Ebbing Air National Guard Base, Fort Smith Regional Airport, or other risky spots by calling FSPD at 479-709-5000.
