Police surveillance

[seneka]

RCGroups has helped me out in a million different ways as i stumble my way through this hobby.

I started out flying heli's, then to planks (wrong way right?). I find flying planks to be much more entertaining, yet less rewarding. The cost of flying planks is far less than heli's, so its much more forgiving to my wallet.

Anyway... the point of this thread is to see if anyone can point me in the right direction.

I have always wanted to be part of the police/sherriff's department since i was a kid. However, i do not believe i could handle the day to day balogna of being on patrol... or what have you. So I wanted to spear head the adoption of UAV surveillance aircraft for our departments here in central texas.

On that note, i would like to start work on getting qualified/certified to fly these machines. At that point, i can bring my case to the respected departments.

Texas is a big place... and surveillance would be a good thing i think.

I kind of see it in my head as being a contract kind of thing. I go about my life doing my thing, and they give me a ring when they need me to do some flying. (as im not a desk monkey, so no full time officer for me)

Can you guys help me find places that explain what you need to do to aquire those certs/training?

[dalbert02]

Currently, only Houston PD and Miami Dade PD have obtained a COA for using UAVs for police work in the US. I would suggest you contact Houston and see what the are doing.

-dave

[CenTexFlyer]

Sorry Dave,

Hays County (just south of Austin) has a COA in effect. RPFlightSystems has worked with and works with all the sheriffs organizations in the five county area. We are currently assisting Bastrop County in their COA application, it is proceeding well.

We fly Search & Rescue, fire support, evidenciary searches as required. We have been doing this for approximately 5 years now and have commendations from several departments.

We use our Spectra flying wing for both imaging and live video feeds. It has proven to be a very robust and capable design. We are always looking for pilots but be advised you can't just jump in and say "I are a pilot". To fly under a COA you must meet the minimum requirement of passing the FAA Private Pilot written exam (or hold a private pilot's license) and must be able to pass a second class flight physical.

Gene
www.rpflightsystems.com

[dalbert02]

Sorry Gene, I stand corrected. I was just repeating what was told to me by the Lt. in charge of the program for Miami Dade PD.
-dave

[CenTexFlyer]

No worries, Dave,

There are many out there that are thumping their chest thinking they are the only ones that can fly UA's. We even caught NASA saying the same thing. I know the ropes, and can assist any government entity in their application of a COA.

[dalbert02]

Well, as you may know I am still trying to get something approved for my department, Miami Dade Fire Rescue. We are in a holding pattern waiting to see how things go with Miami Dade PD, but soon, I hope, we will have our own program. Any advice or suggestions are certainly appreciated. Thanks.
-dave

[seneka]

awesome. Thanks centexflyer.

I will point my google finger at private pilot licensing.

Atleast i know where to start looking :-)

[CenTexFlyer]

Please note that right now, you only have to pass the written exam to fly UA under a COA. I am a pilot too and if you can afford it, I would highly recommend you get a few hours under your belt too! Nothing like flying yourself around!

Gene

[mbateson]

Gene, I'm curious to learn a bit more about your experience with the FAA and the COA process.

- With the COAs that you mention, are you conducting autonomous flight or flying as an RC?
- Have you received a COA for a populated urban area?
- What is the typical turn-around time from the time you submit your application to the approved COA?
- What is the duration of the COA - mission specific or for a blanket peroid?
- One of the big concerns from the FAA is RF Spectrum for the data-link. In most cases with autonomous flight unless you're the military you have to use public use frequencies. Are you using something else or has this proven to be any kind of issue in getting a COA?

Took a quick look at your WEbsite. You reference work you have done with Law Enforcement from 2005 ... anything more recent since they firmed up the COA process?

Thanks - it's good to hear from someone that has made it through the COA process.

Best regards, Mark

[CenTexFlyer]

Got answers to all those questions, Mark. Rather than hijack this thread I'll send you some info......

[RCAV8R13]

Insitu did a demo in Houston.
http://www.insitu.com/index.cfm?cid=2114
RCA

[CenTexFlyer]

The whole operation was a boondoggle and a black eye to the UA community. They tried to exclude the press (who found out about it), brought in the black vans with all the equipment, posted sentries and checked credentials at the gate, then started operations within sight of a nearby road. When the news chopper showed up, they were told they were violating restricted airspace (they were not) and would be reported the FAA (they were not).

The PIO then went on live to state the UA would be used to monitor traffic, issue tickets and surveil citizens on the ground and that it had cameras sufficient to read a typewritten sheet from altitude. :eek:

It produced so much negative public reaction that the already embattled mayor of Houston shut down the entire operation indefinitely.

Handled very, very, very poorly.

[mbateson]

Yes, a perfect example of how NOT to launch a new program. Here is a video clip from the news station broadcast in November.

http://www.click2houston.com/investigates/14659066/detail.html