Search drone joins LASD fleet
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has received approval from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to use of an unmanned aircraft system.
In a press conference on 12 January, Sheriff Jim McDonnell announced that the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) has received approval from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to use of an unmanned aircraft system (UAS). He said the LASD can now use its drone aircraft in specifically defined roles, which include: search and rescue (SAR), explosive ordnance detection, hazardous materials response, disaster response, arson fires, hostage rescue, and barricaded, armed suspects.
The remotely-controlled, camera-equipped quadcopter has been assigned to the Special Enforcement Bureau, which includes the Emergency Services Detail, Special Enforcement Detail, Arson/Explosives Detail, and the HazMat Detail.
A number of deputies have been trained to operate the machine and received remote pilot certificates with a small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) rating from the FAA. The LASD commented that deputy personnel also trained as tactical medics can use the UAS to remotely assess injured patients and provide them with rapid medical care.
Sheriff McDonnell said: “We are continuing to raise the bar as a leader in law enforcement and always looking for ways to do the job better.”
Search and rescue personnel respond to over 500 SAR operations each year, many in treacherous terrain, said the LASD. The UAS will be used in places too small or dangerous for manned aircraft to access, such as between large trees and in canyon areas, to locate and remotely assess injured patients.
The cost of Implementing the system was around $10,000, said McDonnell.
Watch footage from the press conference