This capability was enabled by CVPD's participation in the FAA's and DOT's Integration Pilot Program (IPP). The Chula Vista Police Department in Southern California is a national leader in the use of drones in public safety and has a program called “ Drone as First Responder” (DFR). DFR operations allow the immediate deployment of drones to 911 calls and other ongoing emergencies from four fixed sites in the 52 square mile city.Įach drone is controlled by a sworn teleoperator who is able to provide real-time intelligence to officers at the scene prior to their arrival. The technology also provides a live stream feed to officers in the field and command staff at the station. Fremont PD has strict standards that are intended to be as transparent as possible to the public and they are very serious about only practiced law enforcement professionals flying for them.įremont PD officers flying a DJI Matrice (center), DJI Mavic 2 Enterprise and a DJI Mavic 2 Enterprise with prop guards. If you pass the entry exam, you are accepted into the rigorous training program – and have to pass further tests. Once you are ready, you need to take part in an exam for you and other potential pilots with senior pilots as judges.
Snelson says that you first need to be a sworn officer in their department, and If you express an interest they will loan you a low-end drone to practice with. To apply to be a UAV pilot at Fremont PD, Lt. If they need a bigger UAV, one of two DJI Matrices and its pilot can be deployed. Each certified DJI Mavic pilot has a Mavic 2 Enterprise or Dual in their patrol vehicle trunk, but cannot deploy without command permission. Matt Snelson explained that his agency has an extensive pilot training and permission-to-launch program. Unlike a UAV that you can pick up at Amazon or Target and start flying, Fremont Police Department’s Lt.
While some agencies may have dismissed first- and second-generation UAVs as glorified toys, listed below are enough advanced features, capabilities and use cases to help support the value of a drone program to your command staff. But before you buy one or more drones, you need to ensure your agency has the right licensing and resources to operate and maintain a police drone program. Whether you call them Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or drones, they are gaining additional superpowers every day.