BALTIMORE — Baltimore City Police want to hear your thoughts on a plan to use small unmanned aircraft systems technology during crime scene management and tactical situations.
Beginning Thursday, July 6, the police department will host a 30-day public comment period to gain community feedback on the new policy.
The aircraft systems, or drones, will be used to 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 the court of law.
BPD also say that the technology will only be deployed in certain scenarios and will provide the safest, most efficient and most lawful methods for collecting information and apprehending suspects during tactical situations.
Some of the 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
Pilots of the drones will be required to attend a prep course concerning Federal Aviation Administration regulations related to unmanned flight in the National Airspace System.
Once the course is completed, potential pilots will take the FAA Unmanned Aircraft General - Small 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 pre-flight inspection procedures
- Operation at night
To give your feedback on the policy on July 6, click here.
