As technology continues to evolve, it is now common for law enforcement agencies to use small, uncrewed aircraft systems (sUAS), commonly known as drones, in support of patrol operations and investigations.

The Tigard Police Department's drone program began in the spring of 2021 and has since grown to include five officers who are FAA-certified to operate the department's five drones. They are primarily used to help search for criminal suspects, which may include assisting with K-9 tracks. They can also be a valuable tool in potentially dangerous situations by providing a close-up or aerial perspective of a scene without putting an officer in physical danger. Additionally, they can be used in search and rescue missions, or for diagramming and photography needs over the scene of a traffic crash or crime scene. Recently, a drone was even used to assist our fire department partners with mapping the heat signature from a large fire at an apartment complex.

It’s important to note that the use of drones for law enforcement purposes is carefully regulated and they can only be deployed under limited circumstances. Additionally, operators must be certified through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which is a process that includes testing in areas of FAA sUAS regulations, airspace classification and flight restrictions, aviation weather and effects on sUAS, sUAS aircraft loading, emergency procedures, crew resource management, radio communication procedures, sUAS performance limitations, physiological factors affecting pilot performance, aeronautical decision-making, airport operations, maintenance and pre-flight inspection procedures.