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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 Month: TFO/Airborne Thermographer Certification Course

On December 9-11, 2024, APSA will offer a new 2.5-day course combining key elements of the Tactical Flight Officer (TFO) Course and the Airborne Thermographer Certification Course (ATCC) conducted annually during APSCON. The training will take place in Orlando, FL at the Rosen Centre Hotel.

The Tactical Flight Officer portion of this course will be instructed by Clay Lacey and is designed to provide aircrew members the tactical skills and information necessary to safely and successfully support ground units engaged in a variety of law enforcement missions. This 16-hours of instruction will cover helicopter patrol tactics, air support to K-9 operations, suspect behavior & perimeter containment, and vehicle pursuit management. The 4-hour Airborne Thermographer Certification portion of this course is an in-depth study of airborne thermal imaging technology and theory presented by Teledyne FLIR’s Brian Spillane, who is a Certified Thermographer Instructor. All combined, this course offers certification as an Airborne Thermographer to qualified students who attend all 20 hours of training and pass the written exam.

There is a discounted Rosen Centre Hotel room rate of $149 and you can book directly at 800-204-7234. The deadline to reserve a room at the host hotel is November 18, so don't delay. Click here to register. 
 

Tactical Drone Operators Course Next Month in Tulsa, OK

APSA's Tactical Drone Operator Course is three days, Dec. 16-18, of intensive training designed to increase piloting skills and provide students with the ability to operate in non-traditional drone environments. Students will be exposed to the equipment, tools and techniques necessary to expand their drone program for the tactical environment. Each day will consist of four hours of classroom instruction and four hours of flight instruction, applying drone capabilities to real-world scenarios. 

Students will be able to understand and apply techniques for interior operations, develop teaming concepts for use with other units or capabilities, utilize the drone as point and overwatch during tactical scenarios, understand weight & balance and center of gravity considerations for drones, identify issues associated with working in controlled airspace and operate as direct support for tactical team operations. Tony DeMolina, CEO of Tactical Drone Concepts, is our instructor. His insight and experience will be invaluable to your operations.

All attendees must be registered to participate; the cost is $795. Click here to register and connect with nearby lodging.  The host agency is the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Lighthorse Police Department in Tulsa, OK and the training will be held at the Tulsa Technology Center. 
 

Winnipeg Police Tackle Dangerous Driving

The Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) released a video last month of some of the acts of dangerous driving recently caught by police helicopter footage or on surveillance video. The video shows a person laying on the hood of a vehicle travelling 75 mph; three vehicles taunting security personnel by circling them and performing slow-speed donuts; and a motorcyclist speeding by civilians waiting for the bus at 117 mph in a 30-mph zone.

Police said it’s part of a string of dangerous driving offences and disruptive behavior involving a large group of car enthusiasts in Winnipeg and nearby municipalities. The investigation, which began in spring, is called Project Stunt Driving. “These are tight-knit groups, they communicate amongst themselves, and it’s show and tell – that is exactly what it is,” said WPS Insp. Max Waddell at last month’s press conference.

Between May 15 and September 6, police say they received 37 calls about vehicles racing, squealing tires or acts of dangerous driving on large surface parking. The incidents usually occurred between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. The WPS said it “worked closely with business owners of the parking lots, with some investing in security cameras and other infrastructure improvements.” That led to police capturing those above-mentioned instances of dangerous driving on camera.

A traffic safety checkpoint on September 7 was conducted after 88 vehicles were gathered committing highway traffic infractions, leading to 65 provincial offence notices being issued, according to WPS. Offences included squealing tires, making unnecessary smoke, driving carelessly, driving while disqualified, or riding on a vehicle on a highway without being seated on a part of the vehicle that is designed and equipped for passenger seating.

“We hope this enforcement initiative will remind those who engage in reckless driving behavior that they will be held accountable,” Waddell said. Aside from holding reckless drivers accountable, Waddell says the biggest goal of the crackdown is to preserve the safety of Winnipeg streets, where there have been 22 fatal motor vehicle collisions so far this year. 

Source: winnipeg.citynews.ca
 

Teenagers Caught Throwing Rocks at Cars by Police Drone

For several nights last month, rocks were being thrown at cars as they passed under a railroad bridge over Highway 14 in Fitchburg, Wisconsin. After at least 18 vehicles were damaged over three separate nights of random attacks, police decided on an innovative plan to catch the guilty party by using a drone for surveillance.

According to an official press release, the rock throwing attacks happened on August 15, 16, and 19 between 10:00 and 10:30 pm. Luckily, only two people reported injuries to authorities, both of them minor. To shorten response time when the guilty party struck again, more police officers patrolled the area at night. But it was a police drone that ultimately caught the culprits on August 21 at about 10:00 pm as the camera captured two people on the railroad bridge, one of them throwing rocks onto the highway below.

Those additional officers in the area converged on the bridge and arrested a 15-year-old boy who was throwing rocks. His companion, also a 15-year-old male, ran away and hid nearby but was found not too long after. Both boys were taken to the county juvenile center and are facing charges for first- and second-degree recklessly endangering safety and criminal damage to property. Police say thousands of dollars in damage have been done to vehicles by the teens.

The Fitchburg Police Department said this incident as an example of how useful a resource drones are for law enforcement activities.

Source: theautowire.com
 

Self-Paced RPIC Hybrid Course: Final One for 2024

Let us help you expand your UAS knowledge. APSA offers a Remote Pilot-in-Command (RPIC) Course in a hybrid format. This course consists of an approximately 16-hour online, self-paced portion followed by a 4-hour live online review, Q&A and test preparation session. The course is intended for public safety personnel, both sworn and non-sworn, who are interested in obtaining their FAA Remote Pilot Certificate under FAR PART 107. 

The next course is scheduled for December 9-January 6, 2025. The registration deadline is November 25 and the cost is $250. The registration fee includes a one-year APSA membership. Don’t wait - register today! 
 

Crime Down in San Francisco Thanks in Part to Drone Program

The San Francisco (CA) Police Department credits the use of technology as one reason crime is down 34% from this time last year. Last month, the department and city showed off how new Drone as First Responder (DFR) technology is making crime fighting more efficient and helping alleviate SFPD's staffing shortage.

Upon first glance, there doesn't appear to be anything noticeably different with the DFR technology compared to drones already in use by SFPD. However, unlike the field drone program which launched seven months ago, DFRs aren't stored in the back of a police cruiser. A total of six will be manned at a central location, such as atop a roof, so response to service can be quicker.

SFPD Chief Bill Scott called it a "game changer." The demonstration showed how a bike thief was recorded entering a building by DFR technology. Moments later, officers arrive on foot and bodycam video shows the arrest. "We've used it in car break-ins, sideshows, we've used it in so many instances to cut back on some issues that impact quality of life," said Mayor London Breed.

Six of the new DFR units will be stationed across the city. SFPD said that because of their speed and accuracy, the drones help alleviate the department's staffing shortage. "We're 500 officers short still, as staffing has gotten worse, our response time has increased. We'll not only help response time, but increase our effectiveness," said Chief Scott.

Source: abc7news.com
 

This Month’s Webinar: Weather, Forecasting & Navigating the Skies

APSA offers a monthly Webinar Series as part of our education and training program. Recognizing the need to provide training to those members who may not be able to travel to in-person APSA events, these webinars continue the series of live, online training originally brought about by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Scheduled for Thursdays, 1:00-2:30 pm Eastern, the upcoming schedule and topics in this series for the remainder of the year are:

• November 21: Navigating the Skies: Weather Impacts, Limited Data Forecasting, and
Safety in Manned & Unmanned Aerial Systems for Search & Rescue Operations, instructed by SSGT Phillip Turney, United States Air Force.


• December 19: Starting a Drone as First Responder Program, instructed by Anthony DeMolina, Tactical Drone Concepts.

These webinars are offered free of charge to APSA members, and registration is open. To register, simply complete the registration form. 

Interested in sponsoring a webinar and addressing the participants? Contact Benay Osborne by email or call her at 301-631-2406 for details.
 

SAPS Trailblazing Chief Pilot Earns "Forty Under 40" Award Recognition

The first female chief pilot for the South African Police Service (SAPS) Airwing, Lieutenant Colonel Kgothatso Khunou, was honored last month in the country's Forty Under 40 Awards. She is one of only 17 female pilots in the country. Khunou was nominated alongside Captain Zeldah Ntuli, a fixed-wing pilot with the SAPS Airwing.

Khunou initially aspired to have a career in science, but she was drawn to aviation when an opportunity presented itself. Despite having a fear of flying, Khunou accepted a scholarship to train as a commercial helicopter pilot, seeing it as a chance to conquer her fear. She now holds a commercial pilot license and a degree in biotechnology. In 2014, Khunou joined SAPS as a junior pilot at the rank of warrant officer. As part of her current daily responsibilities, Khunou provides air support to ground units during suspect searches, tracks dangerous criminals, and assists in search and rescue missions.

“We are immensely proud of both our pilots who were nominated in the aviation category for the Forty Under 40 Awards. This is a shining example of the pockets of excellence that exist within SAPS,” said SAPS National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola.

Source: dsdnews.org
 

New SAPD Helicopter Honors Fallen Officer

The San Antonio (TX) Police Department (SAPD) dedicated its EAGLE helicopter in honor of a detective who was killed in the line of duty. The Aviation Unit’s newest aircraft was officially dedicated in a special ceremony on Oct. 23. It features the initials of Detective Benjamin Marconi and the last three numbers of his badge are displayed on the helicopter's tail. It's a department tradition to name the helicopters after those killed in the line of duty; Marconi had been with the department for 27 years.

Marconi’s watch ended in 2016 when he was murdered during a traffic stop conducted on another driver. His killer, Otis McKane, walked up and shot him before driving off. McKane was later convicted and sentenced to death in August 2021.

Police Chief William McManus spoke at the dedication ceremony about Marconi's legacy living on through the chopper. "We honor Detective Marconi and his service to the community through this helicopter and may we remember his legacy every time it takes to the sky," McManus said. 

Source:  foxsanantonio.com and kens5.com
 

MSP Aircrew Tracks Down Stranded Hikers

The Michigan State Police Aviation Unit is being credited with helping find two hikers stranded in a Manistee County forest last month. The helicopter aircrew was called in to search for the two hikers as daylight was fading. According to MSP, the hikers were dealing with a medical emergency and were not able to make it back to the road. The hikers did, however, have a GPS tracker with them and were able to provide first responders with a relatively accurate geolocation.

The helicopter crew found the hikers at approximately 8 p.m. and was able to help guide a boat rescue team to their location within a matter of minutes. MSP Seventh District posted video of the rescue to its social media pages.  The agency applauded the aircrew, posting, “Another great job by MSP aviation! Not only do they provide backup to patrols on the ground, they are also successful in search and rescue missions across the state.”

Source: woodtv.com
 

Add to Calendar: Join APSA’s Online Meeting Groups

APSA conducts regularly scheduled online meetings for safety officers, maintenance technicians, SAR, natural resource, and UAS operators that you can join using your computer, mobile device or phone. To facilitate this, the UAS, Safety Officer and Maintenance Technician Meeting Groups meet once every two months, and the SAR Personnel and Natural Resources Meeting Groups meet quarterly.

These meetings are open to any APSA member. Contract maintenance providers to APSA members are welcome to participate in the maintenance meeting as well. To receive meeting information and be added to the mailing list, send an email to registration@publicsafetyaviation.org.

The schedule for upcoming APSA online meetings is as follows:

Safety Officers: Wednesday, November 20, 2024 from 1:00-2:00 PM EST (1800 UTC)
Maintenance: Wednesday, December 4, 2024 from 1:00-2:00 PM EST (1800 UTC)
Natural Resources: Wednesday, December 18, 2024 from 1:00-2:00 pm EST (1800 UTC)
UAS: Wednesday, January 8, 2025 from 1:00-2:00 pm EST (1800 UTC)
SAR: Wednesday, February 5, 2025 from 1:00-2:00 PM EST (1800 UTC)

Visit this link for the schedule of future online meetings.
 

Burlington's Drone Program Sees Success, Adding Another to Fleet

The Burlington (NC) Police Department has significantly reduced its average response time to 911 calls by deploying a drone, which provides officers with real-time aerial video and information. The drone, stationed on the roof of the BPD Headquarters, can arrive at emergency scenes within three minutes, offering a safer and more informed response for officers and the community.

Master Police Officer Matthew Cook, who operates the drone, highlighted its role in enhancing safety by giving officers a clear view of situations before arriving. “That way [officers] are not going into a scene blind. They know what’s going on,” Cook said. Watch a video the department released.

Assistant Chief Josh Light explained that the drone, which launched three months ago, has already proven effective, recalling a recent incident where it tracked a fleeing suspect through a house—something that would have been difficult on the ground. “Normally officers would not even see the individual jump from that window,” Light said.

Given the success of the program, the department plans to add a second drone by Thanksgiving, according to the report. The drones, costing roughly $50,000 each, are funded through asset forfeiture money.

Source: police1.com
 

Indiana Police Bring in Teams for Reckless Driving Crackdown

As many know, street takeovers and sideshows have become an issue across the country. Over one weekend last month, in response to several calls related to those types of incidents, the Indianapolis Metro Police Department called on several divisions including SWAT team officers, drone teams, and helicopter crews to break up reckless drivers, impounding several vehicles in the process.

According to the IMPD's Facebook page, the Indiana State Police and the Indianapolis Police broke up several groups of reckless drivers, leading to more than 10 arrests on charges including possession of cocaine, resisting law enforcement and, of course, reckless driving. They impounded several vehicles, including a Jaguar F-Type and a Ford Mustang; two missing children were also found, and firearms and narcotics seized, according to authorities.

"This partnership and crackdown should send a clear message: Reckless driving and spinning will not be tolerated in our city. By removing illegal weapons and narcotics from our streets, we're making Indianapolis safer for all," said Police Chief Chris Bailey.

The full-out battle against reckless drivers didn't come out of the blue, however. The department released a video earlier in the month warning locals of the potential for this sort of outcome. Titled "Illegal Street Activity Ordinance - FAQ," the video highlighted the tools available for police. Included in those tools is the opportunity for officers to impound and tow vehicles to ensure that they aren't used again for the same crime immediately.

The department was very clear about the message it wanted to send with this operation. "This is a reminder that reckless behavior has serious consequences, and we will continue working with our public safety partners to protect our streets and neighborhoods." 

Source: roadandtrack.com
 

Las Vegas Police Drones Expand with DFR Program

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) launched its Drone as First Responder (DFR) last month. The department has been using drones for years, but the DFR will help facilitate operations, said LVMPD Program Manager Steven Oscar, who has been part of the drone team for six years.

As aircraft, Oscar said drones provide an agile platform that can be sent to cover weak points in security, map areas, and track persons and objects of interest. Information and visuals provided by the drones help first responders to make decisions and, hopefully, reduce casualties.

Currently, the department’s DFR program has four types of drones. The Skyfront Perimeter 8 is a large, hybrid gas-electric drone that is primarily used for search and rescue. There two Teledyne FLIR SkyRanger R70s, which can be tethered to a vehicle and provide power to the drone, making them useful for long flight operations. The R70 has not seen use yet, but it is planned to operate during special events.

The smallest is the Brinc Lemur 2 drone, used exclusively by the SWAT team for indoor operations. The Lemur 2 can be outfitted with a window-busting attachment, push open doors, and allow two-way communication through its speaker system for negotiations. The drone does not have GPS assistance, making it more challenging to fly but better suited for indoor operations where signals can become disrupted. The program currently has five Lemur 2s. The most commonly used drone is the Skydio X10, which comprises more than three-quarters of LVMPD’s fleet. The Skydio X10s are equipped with red and blue lights for better visibility during night operations.

All drones are equipped with zoom and infrared thermal cameras, can stream a live video feed, shoot photographs, and have mapping functions. In addition, most drones can carry small payloads. Operating the LVMPD drones are 30 pilots across different units. A drone operations center is under construction to help improve the team’s ability to operate drones and coordinate training and operations. 

Source:  news3lv.com
 

Middle School Students Interact with PSP Helicopter and Pilot

As part of the Shikellamy Law Enforcement Club, District Police Chief Shawn Williams arranged for the Pennsylvania State Police helicopter to fly from Scranton to the Shikellamy Middle School so that students could get a glimpse of what was inside the machine and interact with the pilot. Approximately 300 students looked up in the sky as they waited for the chopper to land on the 50-yard line of the school's All Sports Complex.


State trooper Sgt. Donald Marsh flew the chopper and spoke with students. “I love the opportunity to meet with students and answer questions they have about my job or the helicopter,” he said. “I think the law enforcement club is a great idea and I’m glad to see so many people participate and ask questions.”

High school principal Marc Freeman said he was also impressed with the helicopter. “This was an amazing opportunity provided by the state police and Chief Williams,” he said. “Students were exposed to different types of law enforcement careers in flying. This was a remarkable experience for our students and one that few students ever get to have.”

Source: dailyitem.com
 

Support Pilot Mental Fitness; Volunteers Needed for Peer Program

The United States Helicopter Safety Team (USHST) is on the cusp of launching a Peer Pilot Program, aimed at providing helicopter pilots and crewmembers a safe and confidential space to navigate personal challenges. This volunteer-driven initiative offers free peer support, creating an environment where aviation professionals can find guidance and support from those who understand the unique stresses of their profession.
 
The Peer Pilot Program will also provide access to a comprehensive suite of self-help resources, available 24/7 via a dedicated portal on the USHST website. These materials are designed to offer immediate assistance to aviators, wherever they are, according to Chris Baur, USHST Industry Co-Chairman.

“Pilots shoulder an incredible responsibility every time they take to the air and must have focus to perform at their highest level—lives are at stake,” Baur says. "The Peer Pilot Program offers pilots and crewmembers a safe space to connect with peers who truly understand the unique challenges they face, and access resources. It's about creating a culture where asking for help is seen as a strength, not a weakness."
 
To support this program, USHST is actively seeking volunteers from the pilot and crew member community to become trained Peer Pilot Volunteers. Selected volunteers will undergo specialized training to equip them with the skills needed to provide meaningful support to their peers. Interested applicants can submit their expression of interest to info@USHST.org with “PPPVolunteer” in the subject line. 

This initiative aligns with broader changes in the aviation industry, which has seen significant strides in mental health awareness and support. Following the FAA’s Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) report on Mental Health and Medical Clearances earlier this year, the focus on pilot mental wellbeing has intensified, recognizing the importance of peer support programs in addressing personal and professional challenges.
 
For many, the Peer Pilot Program offers a lifeline - conversation with a fellow pilot who knows the unique pressures of the aviation world. For others, it marks the first critical step in seeking the help they need to navigate life's turbulence. "In aviation, we often prioritize technical training and physical health, but mental fitness is just as crucial to safety and performance," says Baur. The USHST Peer Pilot Program will go live at VERTICON 2025.

Source: VAI
 

Oklahoma City Approves Funding to Expand Drone Fleet

The Oklahoma City Council approved $856,000 for new police and fire department drones last month. The funds will be used over the next five years to purchase 50 additional drones, adding to the 38 already in use by the Oklahoma City Police and Fire Departments.

"It is a safety protocol. When we have large crowds and large events, the ability to see the whole picture and any potential threats and hazards beforehand is invaluable to us," OCPD Chief Ron Bacy said.

The fire department also uses drones for various emergencies, including its new Mental Health Crisis Response Team. "We can look at the individual, see what is going on, get some vitals and get that true picture before we get there to make sure we have the right resources to get the help that they need," Domonic Brown of the Oklahoma City Fire Department said.

Source: koco.com
 

Golf Ball Drop by Police Helicopter for Charity Fundraiser

On Oct. 26, the Stanislaus County (CA) Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) Air Support Unit helicopter dropped thousands of golf balls onto a target in the 5th Annual Ball Drop for Hope event. Unlike other nonprofit fundraisers where raffle tickets are sold and then winners are picked out of a bucket, donors paid $25 for each golf ball and winners are chosen based on how close to the bullseye their balls land after being dropped from the helicopter hovering 100 feet over the target.

The Ball Drop of Hope has raised over $300,000 in the previous four years plus sponsorships. This year, the prizes are gift cards, gift certificates to local shops and eateries and the grand prize of an adult ride along in the SCSO helicopter.

Faith Home Adult & Teen Challenge is a residential program in a structured environment with a mission to help restore individuals and families with life-threatening addictions. The program has a 70 percent success rate. 

Source: cerescourier.com
 

Sideshow Detection Technology to Help Combat Dangerous Activity

Despite cities spending millions on public safety initiatives to deter sideshows, the dangerous stunts are surging nationwide. These events result in hundreds of crashes, injuries and property damage to local businesses, and can escalate into even more serious criminal activity. With police officer shortages across the country, communities are more vulnerable as this problem continues to grow. 

Two cities in California are testing technology intended to detect and alert police to sideshows, according to Flock Safety. “Sideshows are creating serious public safety issues that put entire communities at risk, and Flock Safety’s mission is to equip law enforcement with innovative solutions to keep neighborhoods safe,” said Garrett Langley, CEO and founder of Flock Safety. “Our sideshow detection technology is a groundbreaking tool that enables agencies to act faster and prevent these dangerous events before they escalate, providing a critical resource in the pursuit of safer streets.”

The artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML)-powered technology, integrated into Flock Safety’s Raven audio detection system, is immediately available to all of Flock’s customers who deploy Raven. The new technology enables law enforcement agencies to receive real-time alerts and respond to illegal sideshows in real time. The ML technology detects tire screeches from sideshows instantly, distinguishing them from other sounds, and turns the audio into a video file for law enforcement to review. By analyzing audio patterns in real time, the software identifies the high-pitched tire screeches of performing vehicles, ensuring that law enforcement is alerted only when there’s a genuine threat.

“We’ve seen firsthand the significant risks sideshows pose to our communities. Flock Safety’s sideshow detection technology will provide us with real-time insights and alerts, allowing us to respond faster and prevent these events from escalating into something more serious,” said Memphis Police Department Deputy Chief Joe Oakley. “We’re confident that this powerful tool will make a difference in keeping Memphis residents safe.”

Source: securitysystemsnews.com
 

Felony Charges for Burglar Stopped by Police Drone

A burglary suspect tracked down by an Elk Grove (CA) Police Department drone after he fled from officers is behind bars, thanks to the agency’s drone. The 31-year-old man was held last month in lieu of $1 million bail on suspicion of burglary, felony evading, grand theft and misdemeanor charges of possessing burglar’s tools and resisting arrest.

Officers called to the suspected vehicle burglary about 2:55 a.m. launched the drone as a man walked away from the car and into his own vehicle and then drove away. As officers gave chase, police said the man ran from the vehicle. He was spotted by the drone overhead, first hiding along a freeway offramp, then as he fled again and tried to hide inside an unoccupied car parked at a nearby business. The man soon surrendered to officers and was arrested and the stolen items were recovered.

Source: officer.com
 

RCSO Aviation Unit Hosts Annual Fly-In Event

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) Aviation Unit hosted its annual fly-in event on Oct. 24. Held at the unit’s hangar, the event brought together regional aviation units, including representatives from law enforcement, firefighting, emergency medical services, and related fields.

The fly-in served as a critical opportunity for participants to share insights, exchange best practices, discuss safety protocols, and learn from each other’s real-world experiences. Alongside the participating units, numerous industry vendors attended to provide demonstrations and discussions about equipment and services that can enhance aviation safety and unit operational efficiency.

“This year, we were emphasizing fostering safety, collaboration, and coordination within our local airborne law enforcement and aerial firefighting community,” said Mike Calhoun, Chief Pilot with the RCSO Aviation Unit, describing the theme of this year’s event. As recent wildfire events have shown, coordinated efforts are essential. Southern California aviation units face the unique challenge of responding rapidly across vast areas with difficult terrain. In the event of a large-scale disaster, such as a fire or earthquake, these aviation units could be tasked with transporting personnel, equipment, or civilians if ground routes become impassable.

While the missions may differ between each agency, their roles often overlap during large-scale emergencies, where coordination and mutual understanding are critical to ensuring efficient use of resources and timely responses. Seeing equipment firsthand and discussing strategies with nearby units strengthens regional networks and helps avoid delays that might occur during a crisis if unfamiliar teams are working together for the first time. Watch an event slideshow on Instagram here. 

Source: verticalmag.com
 

Arlington Police Drone Use Continues to Evolve

Recently, a Texas caller to 911 reported an agitated, angry man waving a gun and yelling in the midst of an apartment parking lot. The first responder was not a SWAT team but instead a police drone flying directly overhead, where the aerial camera quickly showed that there was, indeed, a yelling person in a parking lot. But he was waving and screaming into a cell phone. No gun. 

“That changed the nature and the type of response to the call in a hurry,” said Sgt. Robert Robertson, 37, who heads up the Arlington Police Department’s Aviation Unit, which is not a big unit. However, there are 39 APD officers that are trained, certified drone pilots. Eight patrol vehicles carry drones for quick dispatch.

APD’s drones are an expanding law enforcement tool ever since the APD acquired its first Certificate of Authorization for operating an unmanned flight device in 2013. The number of drones in use and in officers trained to use them has been growing ever since. By 2016, police use of drones in Arlington was still minimal, perhaps 30 flights that year. Since then, both the technology and police use of them have exploded.

There were 1,100 police drone flights made last year alone for everything from a bird’s-eye view of a problem traffic area to searches of houses and businesses for potential armed suspects. “We use drones for all kinds of operations that are potentially dangerous to human life: apprehending fugitives, supporting SWAT incidents, target hardening, homeland security, locating missing people, AMBER alerts, SILVER alerts, missing children, disaster assessment, post-tornadoes and a great deal more,” Robertson said. “It’s really crazy to see how it’s completely changed our approaches.”

What makes drones so useful is the high-resolution video camera it carries. “The camera has multiple sensors,” Robertson said. “Humans emit heat, and the sensor sees them in dark environments, so lighting doesn’t affect our operations. And the telephoto lens provides up to 180 times magnification, which translates to really being able to see fine details down to what a suspect is holding. Is it a gun? A phone?” The cameras also include a laser range finder that will provide precise distances.

Robertson notes that while drones are not a complete substitute for the traditional police helicopter, the unmanned drones do have numerous advantages, including quick response and cost. 

Source: fortworthreport.org
 

Contact Us: Share Your Story with Members in Air Beat

Most articles you read in APSA’s Air Beat magazine come from members like you. With the help of our editorial staff, it’s easy to spotlight the great work of your aviation unit with an article in Air Beat. (It’s our editorial team’s job to make you look good, so don’t worry if you’re not a writer.) Editorial topics include safety, equipment/training, maintenance, tactics and more. Our editorial team is always looking for public safety agencies that want to highlight their aviation unit or members who want to share their knowledge, so please reach out.

Whether your missions involve law enforcement, emergency medical transport, natural resource conservation, firefighting, or search and rescue, or if you operate helicopters, fixed-wing or unmanned platforms, we’d love to hear from you and be able to spotlight your agency in Air Beat this year. Email Shea Gibbs at sgibbs@publicsafetyaviation.org for information. 
 

APSA Welcomes New Members

APSA's networking, education and training opportunities are unique and specialized for public safety aviation. Let your colleagues and friends know about APSA. Thank you for your membership and helping APSA continue to grow. We would like to welcome the following corporate and individual members who joined during October 2024:
 

Corporate Members:
Aviatrix, Inc.
Avionics 2000



Individual Members:
Shasta Barnes, Oklahoma City (OK) Police Department | Air Support Unit
Corrie Bell, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission | Southeast
Sean Benjamin, Clay County (MO) Sheriff's Office
Randall Brandt, Alameda County (CA) Sheriff's Office | Air Operations
Robert Carvin, Bastrop County (TX) Sheriff's Office
Gudalupe Casanova, City of Brownsville (TX) Police Department
Rene Chavez, Texas Department of Public Safety | McAllen
Brad Clark, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department | Tyler
Jay Colella, New Hope Eagle Fire Company
Jared Cook, Oklahoma City (OK) Police Department | Air Support Unit
Alex Cruz, Edinburg (TX) Police Department
Brian Cuff, Charlotte-Mecklenburg (NC) Police Department | Aviation Unit
Ricardo De Hoyos, Texas Department of Public Safety | Headquarters
Michael Eden, Missouri State Highway Patrol
Kody Edwards, Texas Department of Public Safety | El Paso
Alex Fulford, Charleston County (SC) Sheriff's Office
Victoria Gibson, CAN USA
Bradley Givens, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission | Southeast Region
Carlos Glass-Bradley, Shreveport (LA) Police Department
Christopher Griffin, Clay County (MO) Sheriff's Office
Brad Hall, Charlotte-Mecklenburg (NC) Police Department | Aviation Unit
Caleb Hallsten, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission | Southeast Region
Darren Heath, Oklahoma City (OK) Police Department | Air Support Unit
Alfredo Hidalgo, Seminole County (FL) Sheriff's Office | Aviation Section
John Jackson, Shreveport (LA) Police Department
Chad Martin, Texas Department of Public Safety | Headquarters
Patrick McBrian, Salinas Fire Department
Ben Miller, Iowa State Patrol
David Moss, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission | Southeast Region
Matthew Murphy, Texas Department of Public Safety | Edinberg
Sophie Murphy, Clay County Missouri GIS/Road and Bridge
Jon Nelson, Firefighter Skills Foundation
Jen Nisavic, Charlotte-Mecklenburg (NC) Police Department | Aviation Unit
BJ Patterson, USDA | McArthur
Richard Peirce, Oklahoma City (OK) Police Department | Air Support Unit
Casey Ping, Texas Division of Emergency Management
Adam Pope, Texas Department of Public Safety | Headquarters
Lee Ramirez, Edinburg (TX) Police Department
Jose Ramos, Edinburg (TX) Police Department
Xavier Robles, Texas Department of Public Safety | Headquarters
Matthew Schwenn, Iowa State Patrol
Casey Senst, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission | Southeast Region
David Shaffer, Orange County (FL) Sheriff's Office | Aviation Unit
Christopher Sortman, Texas Department of Public Safety | San Angelo
Ivan Torres, Edinburg Police Department
Daniel Tubbs, Charlotte-Mecklenburg (NC) Police Department | Aviation Unit
Richard Turner, CAN USA
George VanNess, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission | Southeast Region
Tyler Watson, Texas Department of Public Safety | El Paso
Dean Willis, Shreveport (LA)  Police Department
Daniel Yingling, Missouri State Highway Patrol

   
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This newsletter is published monthly by the Airborne Public Safety Association (APSA), a public benefit, non-profit California corporation. APSA is comprised of air crew and air support personnel in public safety and others who support, promote, and advance the safe and effective use of aircraft by governmental agencies in support of public safety operations.

(c) Copyright 2024 by the Airborne Public Safety Association. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this newsletter in whole or in part without written permission from the Editor is prohibited. Product and corporate names mentioned in this newsletter are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of the Airborne Public Safety Association (APSA), its Board of Directors, staff or membership; nor shall their publication imply endorsement on the part of APSA of any content or claims made therein. APSA disclaims all warranties, express or implied, and makes no judgment regarding the accuracy of posted information. In no event will APSA be liable to any party for any direct, indirect, special or consequential damages resulting from the publication or any subsequent public distribution thereof.

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