1. Why does the police department use drones?
Drones (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, or UAV) allow officers to safely and efficiently gather information during emergencies, search and rescue operations, accident investigations, and other incidents where aerial views are helpful.
2. Are drones used for routine surveillance?
No. Our drones are not deployed for random surveillance of the community. They are used only for specific incidents or investigations, in accordance with Illinois state law and department policy.
3. What laws regulate police drone use?
Police drone operations in Illinois must comply with the Freedom from Drone Surveillance Act, FAA regulations, and the U.S. Constitution. These rules protect privacy and ensure drones are used lawfully.
4. What kinds of situations might drones be used for?
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Search and rescue missions
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Documenting crash or crime scenes
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Monitoring large public events for safety
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Supporting SWAT or high-risk operations
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Locating missing or endangered persons
5. How does the department protect privacy rights?
All drone operations are carried out with respect for constitutional rights. Drones are not used to monitor private property without proper legal authority, such as a search warrant or emergency circumstances defined by law.
6. Who operates the drones?
Only trained and certified officers who have completed FAA requirements and department training are authorized to fly remotely operated drones.
7. Are drone flights recorded?
Yes. Drone footage is generally recorded when used for investigations, documentation, or evidence collection. The handling and storage of recordings follow strict chain-of-custody and evidence policies.
8. Can I request drone footage through FOIA?
In most cases, yes. Requests for drone video are subject to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), but release may be limited if the footage is part of an active investigation or contains sensitive information.
9. How often are drones used?
Drones are used only when they provide a clear benefit to public safety, officer safety, or investigations. You can see a complete list of drone flights HERE.
10. What happens if a drone is misused?
Any misuse of drone technology would be subject to investigation and discipline under department policy, as well as state and federal law.