Baltimore, Md. (July 5, 2023) – Baltimore Police Department’s (BPD) Crime Scene Unit and SWAT Team plan to begin using small unmanned aircraft systems (drone) technology during crime scene management and tactical situations. Before the use of the new technology, the Department is soliciting feedback from the community on Draft Policy 1512: Small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS).

Starting July 6, the department will host a 30-day public comment period in soliciting community feedback on the draft policy. The policy was created alongside the Department of Justice and the Federal Consent Decree’s Monitoring Team.

Our Crime Scene Unit will be able use the technology as a more efficient, cost-effective and safer alternative to documenting scenes, while simultaneously capturing images and aerial documentation that present a true and accurate representation of the scene for investigators and for use in a court of law.

Additionally, this new technology will only be deployed in certain scenarios and will provide officers the safest, most efficient and most lawful methods for collecting information and apprehending suspects during tactical situations.

Some of these scenarios include:

• Hostage Rescues
• Police Involved Shootings
• Active Shooter
• Shooting Investigations, to include Homicides
• Barricaded Persons
• Arsons and Explosions
• High Risk Raids
• De-escalation Techniques for Behavioral Health Crises

All small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) pilots will be required to attend a preparation course concerning Federal Aviation Administration regulations related to unmanned flight in the National Airspace System.

Following completion of the course, potential pilots will take the FAA Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) exam and will be tested on topics such as:

• Applicable regulations relating to small unmanned aircraft system rating privileges, limitations and flight operation
• Airspace classification and operating requirements, and flight restrictions affecting small unmanned aircraft operation
• Aviation weather sources and effects of weather on small unmanned aircraft performance
• Emergency procedures
• Radio communication procedures
• Physiological effects of drugs and alcohol
• Aeronautical decision-making and judgment
• Airport operations
• Maintenance and preflight inspection procedures
• Operation at night

All sUAS pilots will also be required to attend sUAS training in order to become a proficient Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC). These trainings will consist of field-based exercises, learning to fly and maneuver in a field-based setting, and steering during the day and at night. The Program Coordinator will also be reviewing previous sUAS missions with the pilots during such trainings, and will provide information on updated industry standards, relevant case laws and changes to any sUAS policies.

All flights will be conducted in accordance with FAA regulations, BPD Standard Operations Procedures (SOP) and policies. Additionally, the SOP guidelines fully respect the privacy rights of all Baltimore residents and visitors and the sUAS will not be utilized for any purpose not outlined in the SOP.

Here is a link to provide feedback on the draft policy: Draft Policy 1512: Small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS)

The FAA, ACLU, NAACP and International Association of Chiefs of Police all have existing policies, recommendations or usage limits related to sUAS and drone operations.

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