UAVs for Airborne Law Enforcement

The success of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) by the US Military in both Afghanistan and Iraq has been impressive. Unmanned aerial vehicles such as the Global Hawk and Predator have produced fantastic results. These aircraft can fire weapons and provide still and video images, often in real-time, to ground military commanders. Even some Air Force Generals have publicly remarked that the US military are likely developing the last aircraft to be flown by live human pilots. On the military side, fighters, bombers and even rescue aircraft can be flown by remote control with obvious safety advantages. The success of these aerial vehicles has not escaped the attention of domestic law enforcement and many agencies see many potential benefits.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for Local Law Enforcement

The applications for an unmanned aerial vehicle for law enforcement are numerous and varied. These vehicles could perform directed patrols, armed with cameras monitored and flown by officers on the ground. Searches for missing persons or suspects could be conducted using heat seeking devices just as they are done today by airplanes and helicopters flown by human pilots. During a hostage situation, an unmanned aerial vehicle could hover near windows and provide real-time intelligence and data to ground officers. In a potential nuclear, chemical or biological incident, an unmanned aerial vehicle could be flown into the potential hot zone and if properly equipped, take air samples without risking the safety of any pilot. Since there is no pilot fatigue factor, no personal necessity breaks, unmanned aerial vehicles seem like an attractive alternative to airplanes and helicopters.

Just a few years ago, the only manufacturers building unmanned aerial systems were large corporations such as Northrop-Grumman and Boeing. However, in the last few years, literally hundreds of manufacturers now produce unmanned aerial systems ranging from hand held models to large turbine engine aircraft. If you add the introduction of very small digital cameras and video cameras, you can have a small and powerful tool. Some law enforcement agencies actually purchased some devices for use. Then the FAA stepped in and virtually grounded all airborne law enforcement unmanned aircraft.

The FAA cites serious technical issues as the reason for the ban on unmanned aerial law enforcement aircraft. In the military theater, the US military controls the airspace completely and there is no civilian aircraft to compete with. In the United States, there is a fairly busy mix of military, general aviation and airline traffic. The FAA feels that the technology is not at a point in which unmanned aerial vehicles can operate in this environment. Some law enforcement agencies disagree strongly. So strongly in fact, that they are fighting the FAA in court to lift the ban. Quoted in Government Technology aviation lawyer Tim Adelman remarks, "The FAA is essentially trying to scare people into not using these devices or to require stricter authorization. But that policy exceeds their authority granted by Congress." Mr. Adelman is currently lobbying the Federal Aviation Administration on behalf of certain law enforcement bodies - so far with limited success - to drop its legal veto.

The airborne law enforcement agencies that are trying to deploy unmanned aerial aircraft are arguing that these systems have evolved to a point that all safety standards are being met and they can be operated safely. Sgt, Brian Muller of the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department explains some contradictions in the regulations "If you are Joe Citizen, you can go down to the hobby store and buy a remote control airplane that you can fly in a park. But if you put a police uniform on, the feds want to step in and get in the way," he said.

Outside of the safety benefits, one major factor attracting interest is cost. An unmanned aerial system can be obtained for around $50,000 which is much cheaper than obtaining an airplane or helicopter.

The Future for Unmanned Aerial Systems
for Domestic Law Enforcement

The court fight will continue and perhaps in the next few years a decision will be reached regarding today’s unmanned airborne technology. There will also be many companies developing new technologies to meet any concerns of the FAA. The major factor is mixing unmanned aircraft in with the currently operating airplanes and helicopters. In an attempt to reign in costs, the FAA has mandated that UAVs must be able to avoid any conflict with current aircraft without requiring currently flying aircraft to have to install any new equipment.

One thing is certain: unmanned aerial systems will play a role in the future of airborne law enforcement.