About the ALEA Over 3,600 members International Association
Primarily Traditional Aviation Assets Embraced sUAS Technology in
early 2005 Is mainly a training and education association 6-Regions
Holds an Annual Conference Holds Regional Safety Seminars Networks
with AUVSI, IACP, National Sheriffs Association and Helicopter
Association International Home Office in Frederick, MD
Slide 3
ALEA Involvement in sUAS Issues The ALEA and the IACP Aviation
Committees involvement in the sUAS issue pre-dates the development
and release of the IACP Guidelines. In 2005, we were requested to
participate in the first FAA sUAS conference at Nellis AFB in Las
Vegas, Nevada. In 2008, ALEA personnel were selected to participate
in the FAA rulemaking committee for Unmanned Aircraft Systems.
Slide 4
Committee Involvement in sUAS Issues Representatives
participated in on-site evaluations of devices, technology research
projects and high-level meetings with FAA and other Federal
officials regarding the integration of sUAS technology into the
National Airspace (NAS). Representatives also worked closely with
the National Sheriffs Association, IACP Aviation Committee, Fire
Chiefs Association, the Association of Unmanned Vehicles System
International (AUVSI) and other related groups.
Slide 5
What are the Issues? Unmanned aircraft have had a dramatic
impact in the battlefield to combat international terrorism. As
this technology has evolved, manufacturers have developed devices
that are small, portable, reliable and inexpensive. It was only a
matter of time when this technology would be offered to law
enforcement as an investigative tool, force multiplier and tactical
tool. With the relative low cost of these devices, it is
conceivable that law enforcement agencies that could not afford
traditional aviation assets, could now afford sUAS technology.
Slide 6
Law Enforcement sUAS Missions Search and Rescue Tactical or
SWAT Operations Crime Scene Photography Traffic Crash Scene
Photography Aerial Patrol/Surveillance Support of Governmental
Missions Fire Fighting Code Enforcement Environmental Resource
Management Planning and Growth
Slide 7
What are the Issues? The FAA has predicted a large influx of
these devices over the next 10-years. Congress enacted PL 112-95,
which permitted law enforcement agencies to utilize sUAS devices.
However, there are no FAA regulations or guidelines how these
devices should be utilized or managed.
Slide 8
What are the Issues? Privacy! As with the use of closed circuit
TV or surveillance cameras, License Plate Readers and Speed and
Automated Signal Enforcement cameras, the use of sUAS devices has
sparked an outcry of civil liberty groups that are opposed to sUAS
and its use by US law enforcement. Congress has introduced
legislation that would restrict the use of sUAS technology, even
before its use has begun. The IACPs Aviation Committees guidelines
were the only policy guidelines being worked on and were anxiously
awaited by advocates of this technology.
Slide 9
The Guidelines Explained the technology. Recommend that
agencies engag their respective communities early in the planning
process to obtain sUAS. In addition, the guidelines recommend that
agencies also engage civil liberties advocates early in the
process. Offer the community and civil liberties advocates the
opportunity review and comment on departmental policies concerning
the use of sUAS.
Slide 10
The Guidelines Outlined System Requirements (capturing flight
time, high visibility paint schemes, discouraging equipping them
with any weapons, using the proper device (not a model aircraft).
Stipulated Operational Procedures to address the Certificate of
Authorization Process (COA), training, flight approval,
documentation, audit compliance, accountability, community
notification of flights and the expectation of privacy and search
and seizure warrant requirements. Discussed the issue of image
retention and public inspection of images.
Slide 11
Summary The ALEA remains committed to being on the forefront of
the development, integration and use of this technology in a safe
and professional manner. In addition, ALEA will continue to work
with Congress, civil liberties advocates, the FAA and other groups
to develop a model policy (beyond mere guidelines) for the use of
sUAS by US law enforcement. This technology is not going away and
we must be out in front of it to facilitate law enforcements use of
sUAS in the US. However, we must uphold the Constitution and assure
that aviation safety is never jeopardized.
Slide 12
Summary ALEA will host a three-day training program in Orlando
in July for Law Enforcement UAS Operations. The Course will focus
on the COA process, training requirements, FAA mandates, public
aircraft issues, continued airworthiness issues, PRIVACY and Legal
Issues, etc.
Slide 13
Questions? Don Roby ALEA Training Program Manager
[email protected] (717) 870-9603