Drone
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Police Use of DronesUnmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), more commonly referred to as drones, have proven to be a valuable resource for law enforcement first responders during emergency operations. The Hoffman Estates Police Department has adopted a drone program after seeing the benefits and value they provide to improving public safety with many other law enforcement agencies.
How Drone Technology is used for Law Enforcement
Public Act 103-0101 was signed by Governor JB Pritzker on June 16, 2023 which allows police to use drones for specific purposes, including:
- To monitor parades and special events
- To locate a missing person
- Engaging in search and rescue
- Aiding a person who cannot be safely reached
- For crime scene and vehicle crash photography
- During a disaster or public health emergency
- To assist in an infrastructure inspection
- To prevent imminent harm to life, escape of a suspect, or the destruction of evidence
- In service of a search warrant
- To counter a high risk terrorist attack, as declared by the United States Secretary of Homeland Security, and
- To demonstrate police capabilities related to UAS devices to the public
Frequently Asked Questions
UAS is an unmanned Aircraft System or Small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) and is commonly called a drone. A drone is an aerial device with an onboard computer that is operated remotely, generally by a pilot on the ground using a handheld controller. Under regulations by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) small drones are battery-operated, weigh less than 55 pounds, have several rotors like a helicopter, and are equipped with a video camera.
After each drone deployment by HEPD, the recorded data will be reviewed and evaluated for evidentiary value. Data of identifiable individuals captured during a drone deployment will not be retained unless there is reasonable suspicion that evidence of criminal activity is present. All retained data will be maintained or destroyed pursuant to department records retention and evidence policies and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Video and photos that are collected by HEPD drones are stored for the purposes of conducting police investigations and subsequent prosecutions. Accordingly, videos and photos are generally accessible to police investigators for official use only. Like all police records, video and photos may be subject to additional release under the same rules and restrictions as Body Worn Camera and other items of evidence.
The Freedom from Drone Surveillance Act (725 ILCS 167) regulates the use of UAS devices by law enforcement in Illinois. This law seeks to protect the privacy of the public while allowing law enforcement use of drones under certain circumstances. Each drone operator and observer will ensure that operations of the UAS are consistent with local, state, and federal law.
Information obtained by drones under the permissible uses must be destroyed according to Illinois state law unless there is reasonable suspicion that the information contains evidence of criminal activity or the information is relevant to an ongoing investigation or pending criminal trial.
Information obtained by drones under the permissible uses must be destroyed according to Illinois state law unless there is reasonable suspicion that the information contains evidence of criminal activity or the information is relevant to an ongoing investigation or pending criminal trial.
In addition to the training and study required to maintain a FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot License , all Hoffman Estates Police operators train regularly in a variety of locations and settings to ensure operational efficiency. All training is documented, and the records are subject to review by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
All Hoffman Estates Police UAS pilots are subject to FAA regulations related to airspace use, and all must have a valid "Part 107" Remoted Pilot License or be operating under the direct control of a Remote Pilot in Command Officer. UAS Pilots are also subject to the Hoffman Estates Police Policy on Drone Operations as well as Illinois State Law.
All Hoffman Estates Police UAS pilots are subject to FAA regulations related to airspace use, and all must have a valid "Part 107" Remoted Pilot License or be operating under the direct control of a Remote Pilot in Command Officer. UAS Pilots are also subject to the Hoffman Estates Police Policy on Drone Operations as well as Illinois State Law.
The Hoffman Estates Police Department currently has 1 drone and 9 certified drone pilots.