Law enforcement and public safety agencies are realizing the potential of using drones to enhance their missions. Some agencies choose to hire drone pilots certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to conduct operations for them. But if your agency wants to conduct its own drone operations or create a program with multiple pilots and drones, this information will help get you started.

First, locate the drone operator and determine the type of operation they are performing (i.e., hobby/recreational, commercial or public use) by objectively assessing the situation and talking to the operator. Then you should determine what level of law enforcement action is required. It may involve a violation of FAA regulations and/or state/local laws. Violations can include operating an aircraft without registration or airman certification or operating an aircraft in an unsafe manner to endanger persons or property.

The FAA Public Safety and Law Enforcement Toolkit for Drones is designed to assist law enforcement and public safety entities in operating and handling situations involving drones or UAS.

The FAA's UAS Law Enforcement Pocket Card helps you identify the necessary steps you need to take to respond to a situation involving a drone or UAS. The pocket card uses the acronym DRONE for Detect, Report, Observe, Notice and Execute.

Public safety agencies are in the best position to deter, detect and investigate unauthorized or unsafe Unarmed Aircraft Systems (UAS) operations. While drones can serve as a useful tool, these agencies also have an important role in protecting the public from unsafe and unauthorized drone operations. The following information can be used to help law enforcement and public safety professionals understand safe drone operations and their authority.

Click here to access a Law Enforcement Guidance Card for handling Drone Incidents and information on who to contact in your region.

The FAA's Law Enforcement Assistance Program (LEAP) is your point of contact for federal, state, local, tribal and international law enforcement agencies in matters of organized crime, drug trafficking, criminal violations and threats to the national security involving U.S. registered aircraft and FAA certificate holders. Click here for additional information.

Federal Aviation Regulations prohibit the unsafe or unauthorized operation of an aircraft, including drones. Unsafe operations may result in substantial civil penalties and possible action against an operator's FAA-issued certificate or may be subject to a criminal response by law enforcement per local laws and ordinances. As a law enforcement officer, you are often in the best position to deter, detect and investigate unsafe or unauthorized drone operations. Watch this video from the FAA and read the Law Enforcement Guidance For Suspected Unauthorized Operations, published by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the FAA.

To support emergency responders and other entities affiliated with them, the FAA can quickly issue authorizations for responses to natural disasters and other emergencies. For more information, please find the Emergency Situations page of faa.gov.

When responding to complaints about a drone, there are several things to consider. Law enforcement officers should focus on the underlying activity in drone complaints – If you take the drone out of the incident, you can apply preexisting law to infractions committed (i.e., reckless endangerment, voyeurism or harassment).

As a law enforcement and public safety professional, you should consider the following information and resources to help understand drone safety practices and regulations.

All drones over .55 pounds must be registered with the FAA before taking flight. Law enforcement and public safety officials may ask drone operators for registration documentation.

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At Great American Insurance Group, we strive to ensure that our policyholders are not only aware of the hazards they face but are equipped with the necessary tools to prevent and combat them as effectively as possible. Interested in learning more? Talk to our team of experts.