Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program
The Elk Grove Police Department Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) program is a vital resource dedicated to protecting the lives and property of our residents and officers in a constitutionally and legally sound manner, while fully adhering to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations.
Our UAS program provides an efficient and effective way to deliver critical law enforcement services to the community. Examples of UAS deployments include, but are not limited to: public safety and life preservation missions such as barricade situations, active shooter incidents, apprehension of armed and dangerous fleeing suspects, high-risk search warrants, investigative scenes, missing persons searches, search and rescue operations, disaster response, hazardous materials incidents, suspected explosive devices, missions conducted pursuant to a warrant (search or arrest), special event monitoring, assistance to outside public agencies, training exercises, and mutual aid support when the mission aligns with the guidelines outlined in the EGPD UAS policy.
The UAS program is part of our Special Operations Division, which includes a lieutenant, a sergeant and two special equipment operators (SEOs) . The team operates under the Special Operations Bureau and is composed of 30 highly trained pilots, all certified under the FAA Part 107 regulations.
Our diverse UAS team includes both sworn and non-sworn personnel, all cross-trained to operate a variety of drone platforms, including exterior flight operations, interior flight operations, and our Drone as First Responder (DFR) platform. Sworn patrol staff also receive training to serve as visual observers, partnering with pilots to help ensure the safe operation of unmanned aircraft during missions.
Through this comprehensive and community-focused approach, the Elk Grove Police Department remains committed to responsible, transparent, and service-driven UAS operations for the residents we proudly serve.
Drone as a First Responder Program
The Elk Grove Police Department’s Drone as a First Responder (DFR) program seamlessly integrates with the technology in our Real-Time Information Center (RTIC). The DFR program provides us with real-time video intelligence on calls for service, enabling staff to locate, report, and track suspects and vehicles involved in ongoing crimes. This intelligence guides ground resources in their response at the scene and beyond.
The program also enhances our ability to allocate resources efficiently. DFR pilots can arrive at any call within an average of three minutes anywhere in the city, allowing them to verify the validity of a call for service and potentially mitigate those calls without requiring officer response if unnecessary.
It's important to note that the DFR program is used exclusively in response to calls for service.
Overall, the DFR program will enhance safety and efficiency in Elk Grove.
DFR Program Insights
City Coverage
Our DFR program supports a 42-square-mile area. To ensure full coverage, we operate three strategically placed drone docks.
Radar Capabilities
We use radar detection technology to monitor our city’s airspace and enhance safety.
- Radar Detection Range: Our radar system can detect objects anywhere within city limits.
- Citywide Coverage: Two radars provide complete, overlapping coverage across the 42 square miles.
Drone Operations
- Flight Range: Each drone operates within a 3-mile radius from the dock.
- Speed and Flight Time: Our DJI M350 drones can reach speeds of up to 55 miles per hour and have an average flight time of 40 minutes.
- Equipment Ownership: We lease our UAS equipment to maintain access to the latest advancements in drone technology.
Commitment to Transparency
We are committed to maintaining public trust through full transparency:
- All drone flight data is available through our public transparency portals — view standard UAS flights or DFR flights.
- When responding to calls for service, the drone’s camera remains pointed at the horizon until it reaches the scene, protecting privacy while ensuring accountability.
Response-Only Operations
Our drones are dispatched solely in response to calls for service. We do not use drones for proactive policing.
- Our automatic battery swap system ensures minimal downtime, with an average swap completed in just 2 minutes.
Community Engagement
Building strong community relationships is essential to the success of our DFR program. We welcome public feedback and continually engage with residents to ensure the program reflects community values and expectations.
UAS Program Flight Data
The Elk Grove Police Department makes historical flight data from our UAS program available on a regular basis.