Unmanned Aerial Systems or “drones”
The Union County Sheriff’s Office has added a drone to its arsenal of resources to help keep the community safe. Drones are a newer form of technology assisting law enforcement agencies with the apprehension of suspects, and finding lost subjects in the wilderness for Search and Rescue.
The use of drones will also help save costs and improve safety for the public – as well as our deputies. The use of our drone by our agency will also be strictly regulated to ensure privacy, civil rights and liberties are protected.
UCSO has two licensed pilots who will be able to fly the drone when the need arises.
Search and Rescue
The use of a drone for Search and Rescue operations is not new to Union County. However, the purchase of a drone by the SO will allow us to always have one when we are in need. Drones are able to search in areas difficult to reach, which much of our county is. Whether looking for missing hikers or lost children, the new drone program will make SAR operations more efficient and effective.
Law Enforcement Response
The use of a drone will help our deputies acquire critical information in a high-stress situation that the Union County Sheriff’s Office wouldn’t have otherwise. It allows the deputies to get more information without risking their lives, and the lives of nearby homeowners and community members.
Fire Agencies
Beyond more traditional uses like search and rescue, accident investigation, and fugitive recovery, the capability that the Sheriff’s Office now has will allow rapid support to fire agencies locating “hot spots” on local fires, helping firefighters determine roof structural integrity of burning buildings, performing overwatch security at events and more.
Restricted Use
The UAS shall not be used under the following circumstances:
- To conduct random surveillance activities
- To target a person based solely on actual or perceived characteristics such as race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, economic status, age, cultural group, or disability.
- To harass, intimidate, or discriminate against any individual or group.