What's on this page? 

• Videos demonstrating drone use
• Videos demonstrating drone streaming platforms
• Videos about starting a drone program
• Guidance documents for starting a program - read this before you purchase a drone!
• FAA Guidance on Pilot Record Database (applicable only to COA programs)

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Videos demonstrating why drones are an indispensable tool for public safety.  

This link is to an EXCELLENT video from DRONERESPONDERS that shows how useful drones are for all aspects of public safety operations.  It may be very helpful in helping win support for UAV programs from municipal administrations and the public.​ 

Starting a Drone Program

How do streaming programs work and what options are there?
(These are just three, there are others)

DroneSense  

AirData UAV

Click on the title to get to the video link.

SkyeBrowse

Guidance Documents for Starting a program

uasroadmap.pdf
File Size:	1696 kb
File Type:	pdf

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​Mantel, Lisa. 2020. Roadmap to Implementing an Effective UAS Program. Washington, DC: Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. https://www.policeforum.org/assets/UASRoadmap.pdf

Although this is for law enforcement, it includes information useful for any drone program.​

launching_a_fire_department_drone_deployment_program.pdf
File Size:	2486 kb
File Type:	pdf

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Although this is particular to launching a fire department program, it includes information useful for any drone program

nij_implementing_programs.pdf
File Size:	3651 kb
File Type:	pdf

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U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, National Institute of Justice Report:  Considerations and Recommendations for Implementing an Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Program - December 2016

uas_programconsiderations0823.pdf
File Size:	258 kb
File Type:	pdf

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DRONERESPONDERS Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program Considerations Guidelines, updated 23 August 2020

droneresponders_five-cs_rev.1.pdf
File Size:	200 kb
File Type:	pdf

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skyfire_white_paper_-_suas_advisory_guide_2021.pdf
File Size:	505 kb
File Type:	pdf

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cops_drones_in_public_safety_and_malicious.pdf
File Size:	2567 kb
File Type:	pdf

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​Police Executive Research Forum. 2020. Drones: A Report on the Use of Drones by Public Safety Agencies—and a Wake-Up Call about the Threat of Malicious Drone Attacks. Washington, DC: Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. [https://www.policeforum.org/assets/Drones.pdf]

effective_unmanned_aircraft_systems__cops_.pdf
File Size:	1668 kb
File Type:	pdf

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dr_tethered_drones.pdf
File Size:	463 kb
File Type:	pdf

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If you are starting your program with a tethered drone, be sure to review this checklist for tethered public aircraft.

​This document identifies the most pressing needs pertaining to law enforcement UAS deployment and provides   resources essential to starting a drone program.  It will help departments scope their mission, navigate permissions and paperwork, engage with their communities, and protect their data.
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Pilot Records Database Information (applicable to COA operators)

faa_-_info_on_the_pilot_reporting_database.pdf
File Size:	622 kb
File Type:	pdf

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See also links to the PRD Advisory Circular and FAA guidance under the Resources / Useful Links Tab.

Disclaimer:  All information provided herein is solely for educational and informational purposes.  Its inclusion on this website does not constitute an endorsement or assurance as to accuracy or timeliness.  It is not legal advice.  UAV laws and guidance change rapidly.  If you are preparing policies or documents for your agency or department, we suggest you consult with an attorney familiar with municipal and aviation law as well as other law that may be applicable to the particular policy or document such as privacy or cybersecurity.