The Ohio Attorney General’s Advisory Group on Unmanned Aircraft Systems has released its report, which includes 14 recommendations and a model policy for use by law enforcement.
“With advancements in technology and a decrease in cost, unmanned aircraft systems have become more common in communities and as tools of law enforcement,” said Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine. “The recommendations in this report are a guide to help law enforcement develop best practices and protocols that will ensure appropriate privacy, accountability, and oversight when unmanned aircraft are used.”
Unmanned aircraft systems, commonly referred to as “drones,” can be used by law enforcement for many investigative purposes, such as crime scene and traffic accident investigations, missing persons cases, SWAT operations, and active shooter incidents.
Among the recommendations, the group says each agency with a UAS program should develop a written policy using the report’s model as a guide, staff members operating a UAS should have a remote pilot certificate from the FAA, and agencies should obtain a search warrant before using UAS where people have an expectation of privacy.
Other recommendations address topics such as licensure, training, protocols, and data/records management.
The report includes a detailed outline of recommended UAS pilot training and descriptions of technology and equipment.
As a result of the recommendations, DeWine announced that the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy within the Ohio Attorney General’s Office is crafting advanced courses on investigating UAS complaints, appropriate law enforcement uses for UAS, and implementation of UAS programs.
DeWine created the Ohio Attorney General’s Advisory Group on UAS in October 2016. The group was made up of subject-matter experts and was led by Cuyahoga Community College Police Chief Clayton Harris.
A copy of the report is available on the
Ohio Attorney General’s website.