2. 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 Sheriff’s Association and Helicopter Association International  Home Office in Frederick, MD

3. ALEA Involvement in sUAS Issues  The ALEA and the IACP Aviation Committee’s 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.

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 Sheriff’s Association, IACP Aviation Committee, Fire Chiefs Association, the Association of Unmanned Vehicles System International (AUVSI) and other related groups.

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.

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

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.

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 IACP’s Aviation Committee’s guidelines were the only policy guidelines being worked on and were anxiously awaited by advocates of this technology.

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.

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.

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 enforcement’s use of sUAS in the US. However, we must uphold the Constitution and assure that aviation safety is never jeopardized.

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….

13. Questions? Don Roby ALEA Training Program Manager droby@alea.org (717) 870-9603