Small, unmanned aircraft systems are portable, relatively inexpensive to buy and operate, and they can save lives. It is my opinion that very soon the deployment of these devices by local public agencies across the nation will increase. As the sheriff of Alameda County, I intend to make my agency one of the first to utilize the unmanned aircraft system.
Domestic use of small, unmanned aircraft systems is an exciting, emerging technology, and the process for public agencies to fly these systems in the nation's airspace will soon be made available. The Federal Aviation Administration Modernizations and Reform Act of 2012 provides for the integration of civil unmanned aircraft systems into national airspace by 2015. These systems can be deployed within minutes from the back of a watch commander's vehicle and provide high-resolution imagery that can be invaluable in addressing incidents ranging from train derailments, hazardous police operations, school shootings, search and rescue missions, disaster response, hot spot sensing in wild fires, and countless other real world events. Like many agencies throughout the law enforcement community, we are continually researching the most sensible, cost-effective methods of improving public safety services to the more than 1.5 million constituents. Small, unmanned aircraft systems cost between $50,000 and $100,000 and are powered by batteries. With proper care, these devices can remain in service for decades.
As important as it is to understand what these small, unmanned aircraft systems are, it is equally important to understand what these systems are not. They are not military-type predator drones.
When the use of small, unmanned systems was first discussed in the San Francisco Bay Area, some reports contained video clips of large, unmanned aircraft used by the military over the battlefields of Afghanistan. Small, unmanned aircraft systems weigh 4.4 pounds or less. These systems will be equipped with video downlink capabilities, and the flight radius is generally restricted to the line-of-sight of the operator.
I am recommending the use of small, unmanned aircraft systems for specific missions because of the tremendous lifesaving capabilities they offer our citizens and first responders. These aircraft would provide first responders, on the ground, the benefit of an aircraft's perspective that will enable those responders to detect dangers that otherwise could not be seen.
I am also recommending that, as with public safety's use of fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters for many years, the use of small, unmanned aircraft systems falls within the confines of the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution.
The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Aviation Committee recently released guidelines for use of unmanned systems by law enforcement. The IACP advised that despite these systems' proven effectiveness, concerns about privacy threaten to overshadow the benefits the technology promises to bring to public safety. Therefore, it is critical to engage our communities, elected officials, and citizens in an open process so that opinions are formed based on the facts rather than on misconceptions.
Although it may seem obvious to those of us familiar with the law and ethical standards of public safety, it is important to reassure our local community that these small, unmanned aircraft systems will operate in full compliance with constitutional requirements, federal, state, and local laws. As Brookings Institution Fellow John Villasenor recently stated, "The Constitution has served us well across more than two centuries of technology advances. There is no reason to expect it to suddenly lose its protective power when domestic use of unmanned systems becomes common."
Small, unmanned aircraft systems can be useful for mission-specific purposes such as crime scene preservation and documentation, explosive ordnance detection, hazardous materials spills and response, search and rescue missions, high-risk tactical operations (to include barricaded suspects, hostage situations, active shooters, apprehension of armed and dangerous and/or violent suspects and high risk search warrants), disaster response and recovery (floods, earthquakes, etc.), fire response and prevention, and to collect evidence of criminal activity. Small, unmanned aircraft systems represent a tremendous advance in lifesaving technology for local public safety agencies. It is my opinion that the unmanned aircraft systems will expand our commitment to provide the best law enforcement services to our communities.
Ahern is sheriff of Alameda County.-CommentsBe relevant, respectful, honest, discreet and responsible. Commenting RulesTop StoriesChargers Mock Draft 2016Video: Motorcyclist going 100 mph survives freeway crash2016 NFL Draft Prospects: Offensive tacklesLas Vegas a good bet for landing major pro sports team soonSuper Bowl more like super boreTrendingTerry Bradshaw to Spanos: 'How much money do you need?'Chargers hire Maas to help with stadium pushBrowns QB intrigue will affect Chargers draft options20 of San Diego's most romantic placesSuper obvious what Chargers need to doPopular VideosTijuana feels peso's slideHarlem Globetrotter challenges prep athleteHoy San Diego"Star Wars" propels Hasbro salesWhat could have saved these veterans?Editorial: Is San Diego worthy of a Super Bowl stadium?About+FAQAbout UsJob OpportunitiesSubscription Information & PoliciesContacts, Service+Customer ServiceManage Subscription, Vacation StopContact Us|NewsroomAdvertise with UsU-T Store|Buy U-T PhotoU-T ArchivesAdvertising+Business ListingsGuidesSpecial Ad SectionsGames+CrosswordForumsHoroscopeLotterySudokuTerms & Privacy+Privacy PolicyTerms of UseSign Up For Email Alerts >> Find out moreConnect With The San Diego Union-Tribune© 1995-2016 The San Diego Union-Tribune, LLC | 350 Camino de la Reina, San Diego, CA 92108We are updating our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Please click here for more information.×