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APSA's E-Newsletter is designed to bring you the latest on news and events within the public safety aviation community. The E-Newsletter may also be read online here at our website.

Next Week: APSA Safety Seminar in Valley Forge

Join APSA next week, May 15-17, for a Safety Seminar in Valley Forge, PA.  Registration for the seminar is included in your individual membership (a fee applies for non-members), but registration is required. The seminar kicks off with a reception on Tuesday evening followed by a full day of classes on Wednesday and wraps up with roundtable discussions on Thursday morning.   The latest aviation products and technology will also be on display in the exhibit area. To see the full schedule and/or register for the seminar, being held at the Valley Forge Casino Resort, visit the seminar page on the APSA website.

Australian Unit Puts Three New Aircraft in Service

The New South Wales (NSW) Police in Australia put its three new aircraft, including a $16 million Bell helicopter, into service in early April. The new PolAir 2 helicopter joins the service along with two Cessna airplanes, PolAir 6 and 8. The new helicopter will replace an existing aircraft, and one of the planes will replace a fixed-wing asset, giving the department a fleet of five helicopters and three light aircraft.

With the additional fixed-wing platform, the NSW Police now has the largest aviation branch in the country. Commissioner Mick Fuller said the aircraft would help police to target, respond, prevent and disrupt crime. "They have thermo cameras, and they have cameras that can zoom in from a kilometer away," Fuller said. "We can track missing people, and we can track offenders now better than we ever have."

The new, twin-engine Bell helicopter features “auto-hover” technology, which will be particularly useful during difficult hoist rescues. The helicopter has a cruise speed of more than 135 mph and features digital touch-screen navigation, which will provide increased efficiency when flying direct routes. The two new turboprop Cessna planes cost about $3.5 million each and have a cruise speed of more than 200 mph and a range of over 1,400 kilometers. The three new aircraft and related equipment represent a $33.4 million total investment.

SOURCE: www.sbs.com.au

Tennessee Fire Department to be First in State With UAS Program

The Brentwood (TN) Fire Department is considering the use of unmanned aircraft systems to assist with search and rescue and accidents with hazardous materials. Lieutenant Jay Williams presented the plan to local city commissioners in mid-April. If successfully launched, the program will be the first operated by a fire department in Tennessee.

Williams told city commissioners trained firefighters would use the drones to get more information during emergencies, such as fires or floods, and use that information to improve the department’s response. Williams stressed the fire department isn’t interested in spying on anyone. The program would have strict rules about how video or photos from drones could be used, and any data transmitted from UAS would be encrypted so no one could steal it. The drones wouldn’t be used by the police department to investigate crimes or monitor the city.

The fire department plans to buy one commercial-grade UAS, which would be outfitted with the infrared camera and spotlights. It wants to buy several cheaper unmanned aircraft to train pilots.

SOURCE: www.brentwoodhomepage.com

Plan to Attend APSA’s Remote Pilot-in-Command Course

The Airborne Public Safety Association’s Remote Pilot-In-Command Course is intended for public safety personnel, both sworn and non-sworn, that are interested in obtaining their FAA Remote Pilot Certificate under FAR PART 107.  The course consists of eighteen (18) hours of classroom training and is designed to prepare the student to successfully take the FAA’s PART 107 Remote Pilot Exam.  The course is a must-have for agencies to train their personnel on how to operate UAS and to obtain pilot certification. APSA has the following RPIC Courses scheduled through May and June 2018:

• May 21-22, 2018 - Huntington Beach, CA
• May 31-June 1, 2018 - King County, WA
• May 31-June 1, 2018 - London, OH
• June 9-10, 2018 – Dunn County, ND
• June 21-22, 2018 – Santa Fe, NM
• June 25-26, 2018 – Westminster, CO

More information about each course can be found by clicking on the individual locations above.

Video: Police Pilot Demonstrates ADS-B

Aaron Smith, chief pilot for the Prince George’s County (MD) Police Department Aviation Division, recently helped explain how ADS-B has helped and enhanced public safety aviation missions in a new video by the Federal Aviation Administration. In the video, Smith demonstrates the ADS-B system in an aircraft, explaining how it can particularly be of use in busy airspace. See video of Smith’s demonstration at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wa3Hx1G8IC8.

SOURCE: www.airmedandrescue.com

Shoot & Share: Enter APSA’s 2018 Photo Contest

Have you taken some awesome photos of public safety aviation? Enter them in the Airborne Public Safety Association's Air Beat magazine 2018 Photo Contest to win a GoPro Hero6 Black camera. The contest is open through June 15. HERO6 Black is the most powerful and easy to use GoPro ever with video, voice control, one-button simplicity, touch display and waterproof design. You're going to love it; enter Air Beat's photo contest for a chance to win today! 
 
Photographer must be an APSA member in good standing. Photos must have a public safety aviation element (aircraft, crew, mission, training, etc.) and include a photo caption of less than 25 words. Please include photographer’s last name as part of the image file name. The winner will be announced on Thursday, July 12, 2018 during the General Membership Meeting at APSCON 2018 in Louisville, KY. Winner is not required to be present.

U.K. Unit Launches UAS Pilot Training Program

The Wiltshire Police in the U.K. has been given permission to train both officers and civilians to fly unmanned aircraft systems. The department launched its own UAS Unit in May 2017. The unit currently consists of six pilots and has responded to more than 300 calls, ranging from missing person searches to photographing crime scenes.

The U.K. Civil Aviation Authority made the Wiltshire Police the second police force in the nation capable of training emergency services drone pilots and the first to be able to train members of the public. Special Superintendent Scott Bateman, who leads the UAS Unit, said developing the training school is a natural next step. New pilots will be put through an intensive training course and have to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the air law relating to drones, safety procedures, how the drones work, the weather systems that will affect them and the regulations governing where they can point cameras to minimize public intrusions.

SOURCE: www.spirefm.co.uk

California Police Department Employs Anti-UAS Gun

The Oceanside (CA) Police Department has obtained an “anti-drone gun” to stop and land rogue UAS. The rifle-like device uses RF frequency jamming and control disruption systems to force an unauthorized UAS to land where it hovers or return to home base, where the violator can be tracked and arrested. The department used the device for the first time during the 2017 Rose Parade. “The purpose is primarily for emergency situations,” Oceanside Police Lieutenant Aaron Doyle said. “It’s pretty much for a life-or-death situation—to save lives.”

SOURCE: www.dronelife.com

APSCON 2018: Air Beat Conference Preview Issue On Its Way

The printed version of the Conference Preview Issue of Air Beat will soon be delivered to APSA members.  This issue contains all of the information needed to plan your trip to APSCON 2018, to be held in Louisville, KY, July 9-14. If you just can’t wait, the digital version is available now!  

Registration and exhibitor information for APSCON 2018 is also available on the APSA website.

See you in Derby City this summer!

23rd Annual FLIR Vision Awards – Call For Entries

The tactical use of airborne thermal imaging can be one of the most powerful tools available to law enforcement. With the FLIR Vision Awards, FLIR Systems strives to recognize state and local law enforcement agencies for their contributions to public safety through the use of tactical, airborne thermal imagery.

Each year, FLIR asks law enforcement to submit their video footage shot during rescues, pursuits, apprehensions, and surveillance operations. Entries should highlight the tactical use of EO/IR technology and the importance of the airborne imaging system in the successful completion of the mission.

Awards will be presented on Thursday, July 12, 2018 during APSCON 2018 in Louisville, KY. Footage from each winning video will be shown as part of the awards ceremony, as well as highlights from all submitting agencies.  Click here for more information on the awards, judging criteria, official rules or to submit entries. 

The deadline for video submissions is June 1, 2018.

Aviation Unit Officer Wins Highest Maryland State Honor

Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel William Pallozzi recognized the department’s sworn and civilian employees of the year in early April. The statewide trooper of the year award was presented to TFC John Wildman of the Aviation Command’s Frederick Section.

Wildman has been with the Maryland State Police since 2015. Maryland State officials said he was given the award for being an “active trooper who successfully blends his experience as a paramedic with his passion for law enforcement.” In 2017, Wildman led the Aviation Command across all criminal and traffic enforcement categories, participating in seven criminal arrests, eight warrant arrests, 380 vehicle stops, 229 citations, 356 warnings and two DUI arrests. He also responded to 83 medevac missions, ranging from pediatric patients being struck by vehicles to adult victims of violence.

SOURCE: www.wcbcradio.com

Abu Dhabi Police Join Future Pilot Initiative

Abu Dhabi Police recently briefed students interested in aviation careers on police helicopter operations. The “Future Pilot” initiative is designed to introduce United Arab Emirates students to public safety aviation careers. Lieutenant-Colonel Pilot Tariq Juma Al Awadi briefed the students on air ambulances, search and rescue missions, thermal imaging in aviation, rapid intervention and transporting VIPs. Students also joined officers and other employees in performing their daily work. The students visited the airport fire department and watched a mock drill, learning about response times, dealing with accidents, public safety procedures and personnel readiness.

SOURCE: www.gulfnews.com 

Ukraine to Purchase Public Safety Helicopters

Ukraine’s Ministry for Internal Affairs intends to purchase 55 Airbus rotorcraft, according to a letter of intent signed along with France’s Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs. The first four aircraft will be delivered by the end of 2018. The expected uses of the aircraft are law enforcement, medevac, search and rescue, anti-criminal and anti-terrorism, border patrol and highway safety missions.

The contract indicates the Ukraine government will purchase three Airbus models: the single-engine H125 and twin-engine H145 and H225. The country’s national police are planning to take delivery of 10 H145s in 2020. The internal affairs ministry will use the aircraft to replace its Russian-made Mil Mi-8 helicopters.

SOURCE: www.rusaviainsider.com

APSA Online Meetings: May Schedule

Meetings are conducted through an online conference call you can join using your computer, device or phone. Online meetings are open to any APSA member. To receive meeting information and be added to the mailing list, send an email to safety@publicsafetyaviation.org.

For May 2018, the online meeting for UAS operators will be conducted on Wednesday, May 9 from 1:00-2:00 PM EDT (1800 UTC). For safety officers, the meeting will be conducted Friday, May 18 from 1:00-2:00 PM EDT (1800 UTC), and for maintenance technicians on Friday, May 25 from 1:00-2:00 PM EDT (1800 UTC). Contract maintenance providers to APSA members are welcome to participate in the maintenance meeting as well.

FLIR Invests in Drone Software Platform for Public Safety

Thermal imaging company FLIR Systems Inc. has completed a strategic investment in Austin, Texas-based DroneSense, a provider of a software platform that serves the growing needs of public safety organizations in using unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

According to the partners, the minority investment by FLIR in DroneSense will create opportunities for the companies to collaborate and share their respective expertise and customer relationships to develop and bring to market advanced drone operating, management and reporting systems. “This alliance with DroneSense will help bring to market a truly mission critical solution needed by first responders to effectively deploy a complete UAS program across their organizations,” says James Cannon, president and CEO of FLIR. “We believe this platform is scalable geographically, across multiple markets and across multiple FLIR business units. While focused today on UAS, we see longer-term opportunity for the solution to be extendable to other forms of sensing devices.”

Virginia State Police Dedicate Helipad in Trooper’s Memory

Two Virginia governors joined more than 200 family and friends on April 18 to formally dedicate and name the helipad at the Virginia State Police administrative headquarters in Chesterfield County in memory of Trooper-Pilot Berke M.M. Bates.

“The Trooper-Pilot Berke Bates Helipad will serve as a lasting tribute to Berke’s incredible spirit and legacy as a public safety professional, aviator, father, son, brother, and friend,” said Col. Gary T. Settle, Virginia State Police Superintendent. “This memorial will be seen by those visiting our administrative headquarters and Academy. It is also rightly located just across the way from the very Academy doors Berke proudly walked through in January 2004 to begin his career as a Virginia State Police trooper. We hope this simple, but meaningful, tribute brings added and lasting comfort to his family, friends, and colleagues.”

Bates, 40, and the State Police Aviation Unit Commander, Lt. H. Jay Cullen III, lost their lives when their helicopter crashed Aug. 12, 2017. The agency dedicated its Chesterfield Aviation Base and Headquarters in Lt. Cullen’s memory in February 2018.

Source: Virginia State Police

Virginia Using Airborne Traffic Enforcement Again

The Henrico County (VA) Metro Aviation Unit has restarted airborne traffic monitoring using its fixed-wing Cessna over Richmond. The department has been operating surveillance planes in a partnership with Richmond and Chesterfield County police departments since 1986, but budget concerns have kept aircraft use at a minimum in recent years.

Henrico County’s Cessna features a standard telephoto camera and a thermal, infrared camera. Sergeant M.B. Sommerville, who leads the Aviation Unit, said that in addition to traffic enforcement, the airplane is used for suspect and missing person searches. The unit also regularly provides air surveillance for planned events, such as the Richmond Marathon and protests.
 
SOURCE: www.richmond.com

Native American Police Force to Test UAS Use

The Osage Nation in Oklahoma has begun training first responders to operate unmanned aircraft systems at the Skyway36 Airpark, which the Native American tribe purchased 10 years ago. Assistant Principal Chief Raymond Red Corn said the tribe is “rebranding and repurposing the airpark to take advantage of emerging technologies in unmanned aerial systems … There are about 2 million drones in America today, and by 2020, there is estimated to be 7 million drones.”

The Indian nation hosted Drone Pilot Inc. at the airpark in mid-April to provide a drone pilot training program to law enforcement and public safety agencies. The class included participants from the Tulsa police and fire departments, Broken Arrow Police Department, Osage Nation Police Department and Osage Nation Wildland Fire team.

SOURCE: www.tulsaworld.com

 Nominees Wanted: IACP Leadership in Police Aviation Award

The IACP/Bell Leadership in Police Aviation Award recognizes public safety individuals and agencies that exemplify excellence in airborne law enforcement operations for both manned and unmanned aircraft operations in the law enforcement community. This award emphasizes initiatives that enhance general safety operations, accident prevention programs, and the efficiency and effectiveness of airborne law enforcement.

Efforts eligible for recognition can range from the unit level to the national or international level, including rotary, fixed-wing, or unmanned aircraft operations. Any individual public safety officer or agency that operates manned or unmanned aircraft is eligible to apply. Completed applications must be submitted by June 1, 2018. Find out more here.

Source: IACP 

Helicopter Crew Helps Nab Sonoma County Jail Escapee

An inmate of the North County Detention Facility near the Sonoma County (CA) airport escaped over a tall fence capped with coils of razor wire in late April, but the man was quickly apprehended thanks to help from the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Department Aviation Unit. As the escapee fled the prison grounds, more than 30 sheriff’s deputies and officers from other local departments flooded the area. The Sonoma County helicopter, Henry 1, provided overhead lighting in the area, which was identified by a private citizen who reported seeing the man. The Santa Rosa Police Department’s K9 Unit, California Highway Patrol and Santa Rosa Junior College Police assisted on the search while a jail lockdown and inmate count helped deputies identify the missing inmate.

The escapee was treated by emergency responders for injuries and taken to the hospital for treatment before being booked on felony escape charges. Authorities said the man was two days into a four-day sentence when he tried to escape.

SOURCE: www.pressdemocrat.com

Missouri Fire Agency Launches UAS for First Timeter

The Logan Rogersville (MO) Fire Department used an unmanned aircraft system for the first time during a rescue effort in late March. Crews responded to a call when a man drove onto a bridge and found himself in a flooded river. The fire department launched the FAA-approved UAS to speed the rescue effort, as crews determined the man needed help quickly.

Pilot Tom Baird said he was able to get the drone in the air within seven minutes. “The technology is getting to the point where most departments are able to afford lower-end drones,” he said. The UAS commissioned by the department was equipped with 4K and infrared cameras.

SOURCE: www.kspr.com

North Carolina Unit Uses UAS to Chase Suspects, Find Missing People

The Fayetteville (NC) Police Department recently launched an aviation unit to operate small unmanned aircraft systems. The department has several officers trained to operate the aircraft, which it intends to use in several public safety operations, including searches for missing people, searches for suspects fleeing from officers, assistance with swift water rescues and supply drops following natural disasters. “They give you a view that you just don't have on the ground. You can see a larger area, and you can see it truly unobstructed,” Major James Nolette said.

The department currently has two UAS, a small 18-inch model and a larger 6-foot drone, that can deliver packages, such as food, water or life jackets. “The actual real-world application of these drones is endless,” Nolette said. “We would have loved to have them during Hurricane Matthew. Instead of sending people into areas to search, we could have flown over a specific area.”

SOURCE: www.wral.com

Police Aviation Conference to Feature APSA Members

The Airborne Public Safety Association (APSA) will be exhibiting at PAvCon (Police Aviation Conference) Europe 2018, which takes place May 21-23 near Warsaw, Poland. Staffing the APSA booth will be Executive Director & CEO Dan Schwarzbach and President Steve Roussell, who will also be providing an update on APSA’s recent transition from ALEA.  Among the other presenters this year are APSA members/instructors Bryan Smith, Glenn Daley, Bill Probets, Joseba Mendizabal, Harald Brink, Jack Schonely and Dave Domoney. For a complete list of the speakers and schedule, visit www.pavconeurope.eu.

Source:  Police Aviation Research and APSA

Japanese Police Department Uses Helicopter for Traffic Enforcement

Japan’s Shizuoka Prefectural Police has begun using a helicopter to monitor traffic on the fastest expressway section in the nation. The operation covers a 30-mile stretch where the speed limit was raised to Japan’s highest at almost 70 mph. Police are concerned the increased speed, as well as the fact that trucks must go far slower, could lead to more accidents, tailgating, illegal use of designated lanes by large trucks and other violations.

Police said the sporadic monitoring is designed not necessarily to detain violators but to deter them from hazardous driving. “We want drivers to know they are being watched from above so they will be more aware of the need for safe driving,” said Toshiyuki Mochizuki, deputy captain of the Expressway Traffic Police Unit. The unit is working with the Shizuoka aviation division to provide the airborne enforcement.

SOURCE: www.asahi.com

Aerial Surveillance at Issue in Lawsuit Against Police

A Virginia family has filed a $500 million federal lawsuit against three law enforcement agencies claiming they conducted illegal surveillance and searches of their property, some of which involved the participation of the Virginia State Police Aviation Unit. The lawsuit also claims police lied in court affidavits and seized the family’s property without due process.

Named as the defendants in the lawsuit are the Sullivan County (TN) Sheriff’s Office, Bristol Tennessee Police Department, the Washington County (VA) Sheriff’s Department and officers and deputies who work for the agencies. The lawsuit dates back to the report of stolen property on April 22, 2017. During the investigation, the Virginia State Police Aviation Unit operated a helicopter to help local law enforcement perform surveillance of the family’s properties. The lawsuit claims law enforcement did not have a warrant to conduct the surveillance and makes 27 claims against the defendants, including unreasonable search and seizure, warrantless aerial surveillance, misstatement of facts, seizing items not specified in search warrants, seizure of property without due process, false imprisonment and negligence. The family is seeking $150 million in compensatory damages and $350 million in punitive damages. The police agencies named in the lawsuit declined to comment.

SOURCE: www.timesnews.net

U.K. Boy Apprehended for Shining Laser at Police

The National Police Air Service (NPAS) Birmingham unit apprehended a teenage boy caught shining a laser at a police helicopter in mid-April. The 15-year-old was found in a parked car in possession of the laser pointer. The helicopter had been monitoring a traffic incident and was making its way back to base when the pilot was dazzled by the light. The crewmembers were able to alert officers on the ground, who soon tracked down the teenage suspect.

NPAS Birmingham tweeted details of the incident, saying “Initially deployed to a vehicle #FTS but cancelled en route … As we were returning to base over #SmallHeath a certain individual probably thought it was a #GoodLaugh to shine a laser at the aircraft … Don’t think he thought that when an Officer pulled up next to him! 1 detained!”

SOURCE: www.birminghammail.co.uk

MSP Helicopter Rescues Boaters in Baltimore

A Maryland State Police helicopter crew hoisted three people to safety after they ran their recreational vessel aground and were inaccessible by boat. The U.S. Coast Guard Sector National Capital Region contacted the operation control center for the Aviation Command to request the aerial extraction in late April. One of three boaters was suffering health problems at the time of the incident.

MSP’s Trooper 1, an AgustaWestland AW139, was dispatched and began preparing for the hoist rescue. Aerial reconnaissance verified the boat was in an inaccessible location, and the aircraft was positioned approximately 100 feet above the boat. The extraction was initiated by deploying a state police rescue technician directly onto the boat. The boaters were then hoisted into the helicopter via basket and transferred to an area trauma center. Trooper 1 was assisted at the scene by a helicopter from the Baltimore City Police Department and ground units from the Maryland Transportation Authority Police Department and Baltimore City Fire Department.

SOURCE: www.wcbcradio.com

Illinois Police Department Set to Deploy Donated UAS

The Rockford (IL) Police Department is deploying unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to speed up the investigation of serious vehicle crash scenes. The department says the new drones, donated by Illinois Drone-One Inc., will benefit the community and enhance officer safety.

Traditionally, roads are closed for hours after serious accidents so that photographs and measurements can be taken. However, by using UAS to capture video and photographs, the data can be downloaded into software to provide to-scale measurements in a much shorter time frame than traditional investigation methods, according to the department. “We will still need to close roads to examine evidence at the scene,” notes John Pozzi, assistant deputy chief with the Rockford Police Department. “However, the drones will reduce the process by several hours.”

The use of drones for crash investigation is expected to reduce demand for police resources; the reduced time of road closures will allow police resources to be freed up to respond to other calls. Additionally, drivers will benefit, as traffic congestion will be reduced. Other uses for the new drones will include large crime scene mapping and aerial security and intelligence during critical incidents. The agency also holds an FAA waiver that allows for low-light or nighttime operations.

SOURCE: www.wrex.com

Florida Sheriff Hobbled by Maintenance Issues

Maintenance issues grounded three of the Orange County (FL) Sheriff's Office's four helicopters over the past year, according to a local news agency’s late April report. That left the county with a single chopper to assist deputies across 1,000-square-miles. To minimize wear on its two working helicopters, the Sheriff's Office has limited the types of calls to which it responds. Since the flight limitations began in October 2017, the agency has turned down at least 90 calls for air support.

Agency protocol dictates the helicopters must be available to respond to high-priority missions, such as searching for missing people, vehicle pursuits and tracking criminal suspects who pose an immediate threat to the public. However, most other requests for air support can be declined. The declined missions have included foot pursuits, surveillance flights, fire rescue support, homeland security and disaster-related missions, and support for SWAT and K-9 operations.

SOURCE: www.clickorlando.com

Illinois Unit Adds Three UAS

The Tazewell County (IL) Sheriff’s Department has acquired three unmanned aircraft systems in the last six months. The department purchased its first UAS last August. A second drone was recently donated, and Tazewell County purchased its third unmanned aircraft in early April. The latest UAS features software to create scale-model, three-dimensional replicas of vehicle accident scenes. The department has two officers trained to fly UAS, with a third in training and a fourth being considered.

“It takes us two hours to map a [crash] scene with traditional survey equipment,” said Chief Deputy Jeff Lower, one of Tazewell County’s UAS operators. “It takes us 20 minutes with a drone, significantly reducing the road closure time at accident sites. The processing time for accident investigation has been drastically reduced, and we get more information and data than we’ve ever had,” he said. The department has used UAS about a dozen times since last August.

SOURCE: www.washingtontimesreporter.com

Police Use UAS to Monitor Major Music Festival

A small fleet of unmanned aircraft systems operated above the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in mid-April, monitoring traffic and perimeters. With 125,000 people attending the festival daily, the Indio (CA) Police Department and 14 other local and federal agencies added the UAS to their surveillance capabilities to monitor the crowds efficiently. “Drones will be flying over watching the perimeters. It takes us a few minutes to get an officer to a perimeter breach, but a drone takes 45 seconds,” Indio Police Sergeant Dan Marshall said prior to the festival.

Marshall said an outside company experienced in flying drones provided the aircraft, which were less expensive than using a helicopter. The festival’s growth in capacity last year meant the number of officers patrolling the two-day event increased considerably. “We get officers from all across the Coachella Valley and Banning and Beaumont,” Marshall said.

SOURCE: www.officer.com 

Arizona Unit Joins Neighbor in Launching UAS Program

The Oro Valley (AZ) Police Department has become the second law enforcement agency in Southern Arizona to begin regular unmanned aircraft use. The department was inspired by the nearby Sahuarita Police Department, which was the first agency in Arizona to buy UAS in late 2016. Oro Valley officers saw the benefits of UAS during a local music festival.

Oro Valley recently purchased three DJI UAS, a Matrice 200 commercial-grade quadcopter and two smaller units. The $5,000 Matrice is used to map crimes scenes and perform searches, and it is equipped with a 20-megapixel camera with changeable lenses. The other UAS cost about $1,000 each. The department first used one of its UAS to search for an elderly woman with dementia who strayed from home in January.

SOURCE: www.tucson.com 

Texas Sheriff Launches UAS Unit

The Liberty County (TX) Sheriff’s Office recently established an aviation unit to utilize unmanned aircraft systems for multiple law enforcement missions. The department’s new Phantom 4 Pro Plus, put into service in mid-April, was positioned under the command of the Special Operations Division of the sheriff’s office. The UAS was purchased with funds secured through court-awarded confiscated drug money.

Sheriff Bobby Rader said it took several months to launch the program. “We had to gather the information that was needed to write rules and put together a policy that would address many issues,” he said. “Once the policy was written, we had [the district attorney] review it to assure it met all local and state legal requirements. The policy was then given to the policy and review committee to be certain it would meet all agency requirements, goals and objectives and to assure transparency of the UAV operations.” Rader said he wanted to ensure the policy prohibits privacy right violations.

SOURCE: www.kfdm.com  

California Agency Adds DJI Phantom 4

The Lodi (CA) Police Department recently introduced a new unmanned aircraft unit it has been working on since last year, when it spent considerable time obtaining the necessary permits and licenses. The program was approved by the local city council in mid-April.

The department purchased a DJI Phantom 4 with funds from the Lodi Police Foundation. So far, three officers have been licensed to operate the UAS. The police department received FAA approval to operate the aircraft last month. “Right now, if we need to clear a rooftop for an alarm call or somebody is reported to be on a roof, we have to call the fire department and put personnel up on the ladders,” Lieutenant Steve Nelson said. “With this technology, we are able to clear a rooftop in just a matter of minutes.”

SOURCE: www.dronedj.com  

Mountain Town Grapples With UAS Regulations

The Greenwood Village Police Department is the latest Colorado agency to attempt to craft local regulations for unmanned aircraft systems use. The city of 16,000 in Arapahoe County follows in the footsteps of several other local agencies. “It’s very difficult to regulate in this area because of the FAA,” said Tonya Haas Davidson, city attorney for Greenwood Village. “This is their jurisdiction.”

Greenwood Village held its first public hearing for the proposed regulations in early May. Multiple Colorado mountain towns forbid UAS use over certain areas. “We want to preserve a high quality of life of all our citizens, and privacy and public safety are a big part of that,” said John Jackson, Greenwood Village’s city manager and former police chief. “But we’re not trying to be the drone police.”

SOURCE: www.denverpost.com  

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APSA Welcomes New Members

APSA would like to welcome the following corporate and individual members who joined during April 2018:

Corporate Members:

IDG Aero, A Network Innovations Company
Lamar Technologies LLC
Spectrum Aeromed

Individual Members:

James Adams, St. Lucie County (FL) Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit
Derek Akins, Lake Saint Louis (MO) Police Department
Dan Allen, Monarch (MO) Fire Protection District
Daniel Anders, San Antonio (TX) Police Department: Helicopter Detail
Derek Anklan, Chisago County (MN) Sheriff's Office
Nathan Arnett, Branson (MO) Police Department
Tion Augustine, Washington County (AR) Sheriff's Office
Andrew Bachmann, Becker County (MN) Sheriff's Office
Brad Barkhoefer, St. Charles County (MO) Police Department
Jason Bassett, Sacramento (CA) Police Department
Kaleb Becar, Maryland (MO) Heights Police Department
Chris Beckman, Kirkwood (MO) Police Department
Dino Belfiore, Italian Civil Aviation
Emmanuel Borroum, Wentzville (MO) Police Department
James Borzillo, St. Louis (MO) Metropolitan Police Air Support Unit
Joshua Bottom, East Bay (CA) Regional Park District Police (Hayward)
Tyler Bowman, Anoka County (MN) Sheriff's Office
Bruce Brandenburg, Chisago County (MN) Sheriff's Office
Scott Brown, St. Louis (MO) Metropolitan Police Air Support Unit
Hugh Brown, Wayne County (NC) Sheriff's Office
Paul Burkemper, Wentzville (MO) Police Department
Joshua Butler, St. Johns County (FL) Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit
Phillip Cady, San Diego (CA) Police Department
Dave Cameron, New Brighton (MN) Department of Public Safety
Jim Campbell, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
Paul Clayton, Brentwood (MO) Police Department
John Clem, Ohio Division of Wildlife (retired)
George Corcoran, Dept. of Homeland Security, CBP, Air and Marine Operations
Les Crews, Monarch (MO) Fire Protection District
Jason Dahl, Stearns County (MN) Sheriff's Office
Patrick Daly, Egg Harbor Township (NJ) Police Department
Jake Daniels, Tulare County (CA) Sheriff's Department
Josh Davis, St. Charles County (MO) Police Department
John Delk, EMS Pilot / former LEO Pilot
Mark Dennis, Lake Saint Louis (MO) Police Department
Christopher Duffield, York Regional Police (ON)
Kyle Duncan, Chisago County (MN) Sheriff's Office
Robin Echele, Monarch (MO) Fire Protection District
Stacy Ettel, St. Johns County (FL) Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit
Eric Feagans, St. Charles County (MO) Police Department
Neil French, St. Louis County (MO) Police Department
Ken Froemming, Grant County (MN) Sheriff's Office
David Garrison, St. Charles County (MO) Police Department
Merlin Ghobrial, Orange County (FL) Sheriff's Office
Joshua Godwin, East Bay (CA) Regional Park District Police (Hayward)
Chase Gorey, St. Johns County (FL) Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit
Perry Hagaman, St. Johns County (FL) Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit
John Harshbarger, Sacramento (CA) Police Department
Nathan Hayes, Lake of the Woods (MN) Sheriff's Office
Michael Heinecke, Becker County (MN) Sheriff's Office
Dennis Heinen, Stearns County (MN) Sheriff's Office
Garrett Henson, Lake Saint Louis (MO) Police Department
Michael Holme, Willmar (MN) Police Department
Jason Horvath, Wentzville (MO) Police Department
Cliff House, Maryland (MO) Heights Police Department
Ryan Hyatt, Broward County (FL) Sheriff's Office
Terrance Jackson, Maryland (MO) Heights Fire Protection District
Timothy Jacobsen, Fresno County (CA) Sheriff's Office Air Support Unit
Justin Janes, St. Charles County (MO) Police Department
Jonathan Johnson, Jefferson County (AL) Sheriff's Office Air Support Unit
Sansa Johnson, Pasco County (FL) Sheriff's Office
Tyler Johnson, Stearns County (MN) Sheriff's Office
Gregory Kellough, Columbus (OH) Police Department Aviation Section-Helicopter Unit
Jeff King, Maryland (MO) Heights Police Department
Christine Klein, East Bay (CA) Regional Park District Police (Hayward)
Brittany Klein, St. Louis (MO) Metropolitan Police Air Support Unit
Ernest Koeberlein, IncidentResponse.us
Andy Kokkinen, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
Jason Kroul, St. Johns County (FL) Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit
Kenneth Kuebler, Columbus (OH) Police Department Aviation Section-Helicopter Unit
Kevin Kuehnel, Monarch (MO) Fire Protection District
Jason Kuykendall, Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers
Jake Lamantia, St. Ann
Steven Lee, Louisiana (LA) State Police Air Support Unit
Bastian Liebermann, Baltimore City (MD) Police Department Aviation Unit
Barret Lindsey, East Bay (CA) Regional Park District Police (Hayward)
Kevin Lolkus, Fresno County (CA) Sheriff's Office Air Support Unit
John Lund, Wyoming Game & Fish Department
Roxanne Maillee, RCMP
Nicholas Martin, St. Charles County (MO) Police Department
Will Matthews, Des Peres (MO) Department of Public Safety
Daniel May, Becker County (MN) Sheriff's Office
Terence McCoy, St. Louis (MO) Metropolitan Police Air Support Unit
George McDonald, Pasco County (FL) Sheriff's Office
Amanda Meier, California Highway Patrol
Jesse Meinhardt, University City (MO) Police Department
Nick Minx, San Diego (CA) Police Department
Don Muschany, Lake Saint Louis (MO) Police Department
Patrick Mustell, Williamson County (TN) Sheriff's Office
Justin Nichols, St. Louis (MO) Metropolitan Police Air Support Unit
Zachary Niemann, Wentzville (MO) Police Department
Daur Nodari, University City (MO) Police Department
Susan Ochs, Lake Saint Louis (MO) Police Department
Scott Patronik, Erie County (NY) Sheriff's Office
Brian Patton, Monarch (MO) Fire Protection District
Craig Perry, Fremont (CA) Police Department
Travis Pierrelle, Louisiana (LA) State Police Air Support Unit
Chris Pierro, Anoka County (MN) Sheriff's Office
Robert Powell, Eureka (MO) Police Department
Charles Presnell, St. Lucie County (FL) Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit
Danny Ratterree, St. Louis County (MO) Emergency Communications Commission
Jason Reed, Stevens County (MN) Sheriff's Office
Jeremiah Renne, Excelsior Springs (MO) Police Department
Dusty Rhoades, Williamson County (TN) Sheriff's Office
Timothy Robinson, Warren County (KY) Sheriff's Office
Matthew Rovang, Maryland (MO) Heights Police Department
Andrew Rude, Grant County (MN) Sheriff's Office
Eric Rypkema, Hubbard County (MN) Sheriff's Office
Doug Santos, St. Charles County (MO) Police Department
Bryan Sardoch, Napa (CA) Sheriff's Department
Eric Schmidt, Fresno County (CA) Sheriff's Office Air Support Unit
Joel Schmidt, Stearns County (MN) Sheriff's Office
Tucker Schnerre, St. Louis (MO) Metropolitan Police Air Support Unit
Mark Seagle, Clayton (MO) Police Department
Roger Sharp, ProFlight
Corey Simons, St. Louis (MO) Metropolitan Police Air Support Unit
Trevor Smith, Louisiana State Police Air Support Unit
Stephan Spear, Webster Groves (MO) Police Department
Kevin Stevener, St. Louis County (MO) Police Department
Christopher Stewart, Orlando (FL) Police Department
Chad Stokes, Fresno County (CA) Sheriff's Office Air Support Unit
Scott Stone, Broward County (FL) Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit
Joseph Sullivan, Brentwood (MO) Police Department
Daniel Sundberg, Swedish National Police
Scott Swanson, Chisago County (MN) Sheriff's Office
Patrick Sykes, St. Charles County (MO) Police Department
Jeffrey Tesdall, City of St. Ann (MO)
Daniel Vancil, Delta Vector Aerial, LLC
Robert Varwig, St. Louis (MO) Metropolitan Police Air Support Unit
Russell Wagner, Metro Transit Authority-Public Safety (MO)
Levi Webster, Polk County (MN) Sheriff's Office
Ryan Wech, San Diego (CA) Police Department
Kory Weikel, Beltrami County (MN) Sheriff's Office
Jamison White, Maryland (MO) Heights Police Department
Randall White, St. Louis (MO) Metropolitan Police Air Support Unit
Sara Widmann, Hillsborough County (FL) Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit
Dion Wilson, Lake Saint Louis (MO) Police Department
Anthony Wrightsman, St. Johns County (FL) Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit
Jeffrey Young, St. Charles County (MO) Police Department
John Zlatic, Clayton (MO) Police Department
Matthew Zufall, St. Louis (MO) Metropolitan Police Air Support Unit