Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS)

• The Omaha Police Department (OPD) established a sUAS Program to enhance public safety.
• The sUAS program enhances OPD's ability for pre-planned missions/events and responses to emergency situations, exigent circumstances, and crime scenes with aerial views.
• The OPD aims to promote transparency and prevent government intrusion through its sUAS policies and procedures.
• The FAA has exclusive control over airspace and sUAS certification/registration, including personal, commercial, and government use.
• The OPD has an FAA Certificate of Authority to operate sUAS below 400 feet within Douglas County, valid for two years and subject to periodic recertification.
• Violations of the OPD's sUAS policy can lead to disciplinary actions, including termination.

Definitions

• Camera/Sensor Operator: Trained to operate the camera/sensor on a sUAS.
• Certificates of Waiver or Authorization (COA): FAA authorization for specific UA activities by a public operator.
• Part 107: Rules in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 14 Part 107 for operating sUAS.
• Pre-Planned Mission: Deployment of an OPD sUAS planned with the sUAS Program's assistance.
• Recorded Media: Audio-video recorded as part of an overall recording system.
• Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC): Controls a sUAS operation.
• Small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS): A small unmanned aircraft with associated controlling elements for safe operation.
• Small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) Program Manager: OPD employee overseeing the sUAS Program.
• Visual Observers (VO): Assist the RPIC to avoid airborne/ground objects.

General Operational Guidelines for OPD sUAS

• Only trained and certified employees can operate OPD sUAS.
• RPICs must meet mission/training requirements to stay active in the sUAS Program.
• All sUAS deployments must comply with federal, state, and local laws/regulations.
• sUAS deployment objectives include:
  • Situational awareness and visual perspective.
  • Search and rescue.
  • Tactical deployment.
  • Criminal investigation and scene documentation.
  • Over-watch for large scale events.
  • Other situations deemed necessary by a command officer (Lieutenant or higher) or the FIU Manager.
• Further deployment information and guidelines are available in the “OPD sUAS Field Guide”.

Prohibitions

• Personally owned sUAS are prohibited while on duty or acting on behalf of the OPD.
• Unauthorized sUAS use can lead to discipline.
• Prohibited sUAS uses include:
  • Traffic law enforcement.
  • Harassment, intimidation, or discrimination.
  • Targeting individuals/groups based on protected characteristics.
  • Personal matters or business.
• Unsafe sUAS operation is prohibited.
• Weaponizing sUAS is prohibited.
• Privacy-related prohibitions:
  • Attempts to avoid images where privacy is expected, unless in an official capacity.
  • Care to record only parties involved in the event.
  • Prohibiting recording of non-law enforcement related, personal activity.
• sUAS shall not be operated in an unsafe manner.

Training

• The OPD has a training program compliant with Title 14 CFR § 107.
• All OPD employees with sUAS Program responsibilities must complete Department-approved training.
• Training topics include:
  • Local and federal laws and regulations.
  • Applicable OPD policies and procedures.
  • The OPD Aircrew Training Manual.
  • The OPD sUAS Field Guide.
  • Operational proficiency training for sUAS pilots.
• Training is documented per OPD policy and procedures.

sUAS Deployment Requests

• Advance notice and approval from the sUAS Program Manager is required when possible.
• Coordinating officers will contact the sUAS Program Manager to request in advance (See Appendix A or the OPD Resources webpage for contact information).
• For emergent incidents/scenes requests require approval from the sUAS Program Manager (or designee) or a command officer (Sergeant or above).
• If call-in of RPIC is needed command officer must contact the sUAS Program Manager.
• RPICs must consult the “Authorized Missions” section of the “OPD sUAS Field Guide” and the sUAS Program Manager when considering requests.
• The FIU Manager can authorize sUAS deployments for forensic investigations.
• The Traffic Unit deploys sUAS for routine traffic crash mapping with authorization from the sUAS Program Manager.
• Qualified ERU officers can deploy as needed for tactical operations without command approval, authorized by the sUAS Program Manager.
• The sUAS Program Manager (or designee) can answer questions about RPIC deployment or other issues.
• The requesting command officer and the RPIC will discuss recording during a mission.
• The sUAS Program Manager must approve sUAS demonstration requests, which undergo a risk mitigation process.
• The RPIC has final authority on flight commencement/continuation, per FAA regulations.

sUAS Data and Recorded Media

• All sUAS and captured data are OPD property.
• Dissemination outside the Department requires written authorization from the Chief of Police or designee.
• Unauthorized data handling leads to discipline, including termination.
• The FIU Manager or sUAS Program Manager may share data with vendors for technical support.
• Employees cannot alter sUAS data without prior authorization and approval of the Chief of Police or designee.
• Employees will label all Recorded Media and include RB or citation numbers.
• Transferring sUAS Recorded Media to personal devices is prohibited.
• The sUAS Program Manager will be notified as soon as feasible when Critical Incidents require immediate retrieval of sUAS Recorded Media.

sUAS Recorded Media Access

• Employees can view their own Recorded Media (except those classified as "LOCKED") for report accuracy.
• Detectives and Accident Investigators can view all "Evidence" Recorded Media, with some exception.
• Command can view all Recorded Media, except those classified as "LOCKED".

sUAS Flight Data and Recorded Media Retention

• All sUAS flight data will be retained for a minimum of five (5) years.
• Retention periods for sUAS Recorded Media:
  • Uncategorized/non-evidence: 120 days.
  • Misdemeanor evidence: 18 months.
  • Felony evidence: 3 years.
  • “LOCKED” (serious incidents): Indefinitely.
• “LOCKED” Recorded Media are restricted to authorized employees.
• sUAS Program Recorded Media will be preserved only in digital management systems as directed by the FIU Manager and/or the sUAS Program Manager.
• FIU produced sUAS Recorded Media will be perserved in the system mandated by the FIU Manager.

sUAS Program Manager Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate sUAS Program training in concordance with laws/policies/guidelines.
• Conduct and document regular audits of sUAS missions/assignments.
• Maintain flight logbook records, including:
  • Date and time.
  • Location.
  • Duration.
  • Pilot name and supporting personnel/employees.
  • Person authorizing the sUAS flight.
  • Summary of activity performed.
  • Outcome of the mission.
• sUAS maintenance items:
  • Monitoring compliance of routine scheduled maintenance.
  • Reviewing records for incidents of unscheduled maintenance.
• Responsible for long-term storage of Recorded Media of evidentiary value based on Department protocols.
• Deletion of Recorded Media by court order.
• Periodically review sUAS best-practices.

sUAS Flight Crewmember Responsibilities

• Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC):
  • Obtain and maintain Part 107 certificate from the FAA.
  • Fulfill program training requirements.
  • Inspect the sUAS pre- and post-flight and complete checklists.
  • Operate the sUAS per manufacturer guidelines, OPD training, and policies.
  • Complete a flight logbook entry and required documentation for each flight.
• Lead RPIC (designated by the sUAS Program Manager):
  • Act as a liaison to the sUAS Program Manager.
  • Monitor sUAS activity compliance within their unit.
  • Assist in assessing RPIC training needs within their unit.
  • Complete additional tasks from the sUAS Program Manager.
• Visual Observers (VO):
  • Fulfill and maintain program training requirements.
  • Prevent unsafe sUAS proximity to manned air traffic or other hazards.
  • Complete all required documentation for each flight operation.
  • A minimum of one VO is required for every mission, unless waived by the sUAS Program Manager
• Sensor/Camera Operators:
  • Fulfill and maintain program training requirements.
  • Operate the sensor/camera installed on the sUAS.
  • A Sensor/Camera Operator is optional for missions.

Explore the Omaha Police Department's sUAS program, its regulatory framework, and operational guidelines. Understand the FAA's role, mission classifications, and the importance of transparency and accountability. Learn about balancing public safety with public trust in sUAS operations.