Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drones) in Law Enforcement

Certification

This course is certified by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board.

Training Mandates

• Civil Rights (1hr)
• Constitutional Use of Law Enforcement Authority (4hrs)
• Legal Updates (1hr)
• Procedural Justice (1hr)
• Officer Safety Techniques (1hr)

Description

This training will introduce officers to the use of Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS), commonly called “drones”, for both evidence collection and search operations. The course will cover all aspects of UAS operations, including preparations for the mandatory FAA Part 107 licensing. It will include information on the necessary waiver to fly in populated areas and night operation of drones. Hands-on experience with full-sized drones will give officers the confidence and ability to operate in a safe manner. Evidence collections in both photo and video format will be addressed, as well as the legal aspects of how to handle and store this information, as it differs from standard photo/video collection rules.

Finally, the Freedom from Drone Surveillance Act, ILCS 725/167 will be discussed to provide officers and their departments with a clear understanding about operating drones within the confines of the law, including the mandate to inform the State about maintenance and flight operations. Upon completion of this course, attendees will possess the knowledge to successfully take and pass their Part 107 FAA pilot’s exam to become a licensed pilot. They will also be able to assist in creating proper departmental policies and procedures for operating drones.

No equipment required.

Officers who wish to learn to fly their agency’s UAS may bring it to class, with a minimum of two batteries There will be UAS’s provided by the instructor for the pilot training part of the class. You DO NOT have to have your own UAS to attend the class.

Topics

• State and federal laws pertaining to Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems
• Types of airspace
• How weather & weather-related conditions contribute to the flight of sUASs
• Loading and performance factors
• Airport and airfield standards
• Radio communication: 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz
• Perform the following: Vertical takeoff and landing, basic flight maneuvers, recording video, taking still images, autonomous flights, pre-flight and maintenance, equipment replacement, record-keeping, pre- and post-flight inspection, and logbook maintenance.
• Gain the necessary knowledge and skills to test for and earn the FAA certification for sUAS Operator.
• Understand the Freedom from Drone Surveillance Act.

Instructor

Deadline

Please register for this course by October 1.