Unmanned Aerial Systems (Drones) Policy and Usage

An Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) may be utilized to enhance the department’s mission of protecting lives and property when other means and resources are not available or are less effective. Any use of a UAS will be in strict accordance with constitutional and privacy rights and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations.

During calendar year 2024, The Florence Police Department deployed drones a total of approximately 15 times. An approximate breakdown of the types of mission is as follows: Training; 5 operations, Crash/Crime Scene Investigations; 1 operations, Exigent Circumstances Criminal Investigations; 1 operations, Search and Rescue Incidents; 2 operations, Missions by Request/Written Consent of Property Owner; 3 operations, Missions pursuant to a Warrant; 0 operations. A total of 5 different aircraft were flown by 3 FAA qualified pilots during the course of the above missions.

The full departmental policy can be found linked below. Some notable highlights and common questions regarding this are:

"The UAS video surveillance equipment shall not be used:
• 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.
• To conduct personal business of any type.
The UAS shall not be weaponized (ORS 837.365).
The UAS shall not be used in any way that causes interference with an aircraft that is in the
air, taking off, or landing (ORS 837.374)."

Questions related to the Florence Police Department's drone use can be directed to Sergeant Brandon Ott