Elk Grove Police Department Unmanned Aircraft Systems (U.A.S.) program is a resource to protect lives and property of citizens and officers of Elk Grove in a constitutionally and legally sound manner, while in adherence with Federal Aviation Administration (F.A.A.) regulations.
The Elk Grove Police Department U.A.S program is an efficient and effective way of providing law enforcement services to the community. Some examples of U.A.S. usage are public safety and life preservation missions including, but not limited to, barricade situations, active shooters, apprehension of armed and dangerous fleeing suspects, and high-risk search warrants, investigative scenes, missing persons incidents, search and rescue operations, disaster scene incidents, hazmat incidents, suspected explosive devices, pursuant to a warrant (search or arrest), special events, outside public agency assists, training missions, and mutual aid support when the underlying missions meets the uses outlined in the EGPD U.A.S. policy.
EGPD currently has eleven U.A.S systems and thirteen officers trained and certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as unmanned aircraft pilots. EGPD sworn patrol staff have been trained to serve important support roles within the UAS program as visual observers. This important training allows for the visual observers to partner with pilots in providing a safer environment for all persons and property in the area while the unmanned aircraft is being utilized.
Drone as a First Responder Program
The Elk Grove Police Department’s Drone as a First Responder (DFR) program seamlessly integrates with the technology in our Real-Time Information Center (RTIC). The DFR program provides us with real-time video intelligence on calls for service, enabling staff to locate, report, and track suspects and vehicles involved in ongoing crimes. This intelligence guides ground resources in their response at the scene and beyond.
The program also enhances our ability to allocate resources efficiently. DFR pilots can arrive at any call within an average of three minutes anywhere in the city, allowing them to verify the validity of a call for service and potentially mitigate those calls without requiring officer response if unnecessary.
It's important to note that the DFR program is used exclusively in response to calls for service.
Overall, the DFR program will enhance safety and efficiency in Elk Grove.
Elk Grove Police Department U.A.S. Policy
UAS Program Flight Data
The Elk Grove Police Department makes historical flight data from our UAS program available on a regular basis.