2019-088 Drones for Public SafetyDate: April 26, 2019 Report No. 2019-088
INFORMAL STAFF REPORT
TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
Using unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in support of public safety.
BACKGROUND:
The purpose of this report is to present information regarding the use of unmanned aircraft systems,
commonly referred to as drones, in support of law enforcement operations. Drone technology has
expanded in recent years to allow law enforcement agencies an aerial capability once reserved for
aircraft operations. This increased ability to field an aerial platform has given hundreds of law
enforcement agencies around the country the advantages of having an aircraft available at a
fraction of the cost.
DISCUSSION:
The police department currently does not maintain a drone program. These programs are regulated
by the Federal Aviation Administration and, as such, require approval to operate. There are two
options for the department to get FAA approval for drone flights:
1. Fly under 14 CFR part 107, the small UAS rule.
a. Categorized as "Civil Aircraft Operations";
b. Operations conducted under the pilot's individual 107 certificate, not the
agency;
c. Allows for daytime flight ONLY;
d. Must get permission to fly in B, C, D and E airspace for each flight;
e. Allows for operation under 400' Above Ground Level (AGL); and
f. Allows for operation within visual line of sight of the operator.
2. Fly under the statutory requirements for public aircraft (49 U.S.C. §40102(a) and § 40125).
Operate with a Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) to be able to self-certify UAS
and operators for flights performing governmental functions.
a. Categorized as "Public Aircraft Operations";
b. Agency holds the authorization, not individual pilots;
c. Allows for nighttime flight with permission;
d. Allows for pre-approval to fly in B, C, D and E airspace;
e. Allows for operation under 400' AGL (Above Ground Level); and
f. Allows for operation within visual line of sight of the operator.
Most law enforcement agencies operate under a Certificate of Authorization. These are only
available to public safety agencies in the United States, and are a department-level designation,
meaning the department maintains responsibility for flights flown on the department’s behalf.
Date: April 26, 2019 Report No. 2019-088
There are two primary types of COA’s: Blanket and Jurisdictional. Blanket COA covers a
department in Class G airspace anywhere in the United States, while a Jurisdictional COA gives
access to Class B, C, D, and E airspace for a limited, predefined jurisdiction. Which COA is right
for the department depends on the airspace of the jurisdiction, how the drone will be used, and
whether it will contribute to mutual aid regularly, among many other factors. The Denton
Enterprise Airport is a Class D airspace when the tower is open (6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.),
controlling a four-mile radius up to 2499 feet. When the tower is closed, it reverts to Class G
uncontrolled airspace.
Drone Usage
The department could benefit in numerous ways if a drone program was implemented.
Departments with current programs have used aerial platforms for varied functions with many
successful outcomes. Standard operating procedures and policies would have to be created to
regulate drone usage by the department. Many sample policies have already been created that take
into account the current law regarding drone use.
Below are some circumstances where a drone program would increase safety and effectiveness of
the police response.
1. Search and Rescue Operations – The department has responded to multiple incidents over
the years regarding lost children or elderly citizens who have left residences or care
facilities while not having full use of mental faculties. Drones would enable a single officer
to cover a large search area and see secluded areas that may not be visible from ground
level.
2. Disaster Response – Incidents such as tornadoes or other catastrophic events can render
roadways temporarily unpassable for first responders. In line with a search and rescue
mission, the drone could survey the damaged area and streamline the response time for first
responders by identifying the safest passable routes.
3. Active Search for Suspects – In the event of criminal activity, where the suspect is
outstanding, the drone gives the department the ability to search a large area quicker and
safer than utilizing ground units. Particularly with thermal camera ability, a drone could
locate a suspect within minutes during darkness and be used to coordinate a police response
to put the suspect in custody.
4. Crime/Traffic Scene Mapping – Aerial views of crime scenes or traffic collisions gives
investigators the added mapping ability. Combined with current 3D mapping capabilities,
the scenes would be accurately represented for prosecution. Overhead vies of these scenes
may also discover evidence unable to be seen from ground level.
5. Incident Management – Many incidents that require a law enforcement response can
benefit from having an aerial platform for observational purposes. Events such as protest
activities that draw large, contentious crowds can be more effectively viewed from above
than on the ground.
Date: April 26, 2019 Report No. 2019-088
6. Tactical Response – collection is an important component in preparing for tactical
operations. Drones could be used for SWAT operations by surveilling suspect locations
prior to and during operations to ensure officer safety. Also, depending on the specific
capabilities, an aerial drone could be used to clear areas unable to be seen from ground
level, such as inside vehicles, upper levels of buildings, or deployed inside structures.
Cost of Implementation
Drone programs, while offering a cost-effective means to gain aerial view abilities compared to
manned flight options, can be expensive to start due to the cost of equipment. Below is the cost
breakdown for a robust drone program for the Irving Police Department:
DJI M210 (aircraft and accessories) .......................................$8,999
DJI X5S (standard camera) .....................................................$1,899
DJI TB55 (upgraded batteries x4 @ $369.00ea) ....................$1,476
DJI X4S (backup camera) ..........................................................$599
DJI Z30 (30x zoom) ................................................................$8,260
DJI Cendence Controller (w/ patch antenna) ............................$999
DJI XT 640x512x30Hz 13mm (thermal) ..............................$12,000
DJI Ultra Bright Crystal Sky 7.85" (ultrabright) ......................$849
DJI Crystal Sky Mount ...............................................................$79
Apple iPad 10.5' 256 GB (w/ wifi and cellular) .......................$929
FlyHighUSA Carbon Fiber Tablet mount ...................................$30
Hardcase and Extreme Landing Gear ........................................$974
Anti-collision and Police Strobe Lights .....................................$345
32,000 Lumen Flood Light ........................................................$950
Total for M210 and necessary components ......................$38,388
Drones costs can range from $3,000 to $10,000. Additional costs for the payload, specifically
cameras, can be up to $12,000. The above breakdown of costs accounts for many extra cameras
and other accessories that would not be necessary for a scaled-down program.
For a scaled-down program that suits the department needs, the program could include two of each
of the above drones. This would allow for deployment for day or night operations with redundancy
to have constant “on-station” visuals. The Inspire drone is a proven platform for such operations
and has been used by law enforcement for these needs. The Mavic drone is a more compact device
suited for tactical operations that can be deployed inside or outside a structure. The above costs
would not include accessories, such as extra batteries, that may be necessary to fully exploit a
drone’s use.
Option 1
DJI Inspire 1 Drone .................................................................$3,000
DJI X5 Camera .......................................................................$1,660
Date: April 26, 2019 Report No. 2019-088
DJI XT 640x512x30Hz 13mm (thermal) ..............................$12,000
Option 2
DJI Mavic Pro Enterprise Drone (onboard cameras) ..............$3,600
CONCLUSION:
Drone programs have given law enforcement the added capability of aerial platforms at a fraction
of the cost for manned aircraft. This capability can be used in many law enforcement applications,
from search and rescue to crime scene mapping. Starting such a program requires a commitment
from the department to maintain licenses, train operators, and fund the equipment.
STAFF CONTACT:
Paul Willenbrock
Deputy Police Chief
940-349-7939
Paul.willenbrock@cityofdenton.com