Uses and Parameters
1. For what reasons will the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) deploy drones?
MPD will deploy drones to support community and officer safety. The purposes for which they will be used are established in MPD policy, General Order 803.09 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), such as helping locate missing persons, traffic management, scene documentation for major crash investigations, and crowd monitoring during large-scale events. They also may be used to locate a suspect who is believed to be hiding in a defined area while armed, where attempting to physically locate the suspect would put an officer or others at risk of death or serious bodily injury, and when surveillance and containment are the safest tactics for apprehension.
Other uses cited in the General Order are for high-risk warrant service; Emergency Response Team operations; Explosive Ordnance Disposal operations; Harbor Patrol Unit operations; and in exigent circumstances and training scenarios approved by the MPD’s Homeland Security Bureau (HSB) Assistant Chief.
Although drones will not be used to record First Amendment assemblies for the sole purpose of identifying and recording the presence of individual participants who are not engaged in unlawful conduct, individuals may be recorded while MPD is monitoring for other reasons, such as observing crowd movement.
2. Are there any limitations on where and when drones can be flown by MPD?
Drones operated by MPD are subject to specific operational limitations.
It is prohibited to deploy the drone to record a particular person or group based solely on their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibility, homelessness status, physical disability status, matriculation, or political affiliation; or to track or identify specific individuals who are participating in First Amendment assemblies who are not engaged in unlawful conduct.
Additionally, flights must comply with airspace regulations and safety protocols. Furthermore, drones cannot be operated in certain weather conditions such as high winds, heavy rain, or low visibility to ensure safety and effectiveness.
The use of facial recognition capabilities is prohibited. Nor will the system be equipped with weapon capabilities including non-lethal or less-than-lethal weapon systems.
3. How will MPD use drones differently than a helicopter?
Drones can fly at lower altitudes than MPD’s helicopter, Falcon 1, allowing better imaging and access to hard-to-reach areas. Drones will allow more accurate documentation of extensive scenes. Additionally, drones allow closer access to Explosive Ordinance Disposal operations without putting any MPD member in harm’s way.
MPD’s helicopter, Falcon 1, will remain a pivotal asset as drones will not be able to pursue subjects and vehicles that may travel extensive distances across the District of Columbia. Falcon 1 allows members to take flight and monitor a situation with their own eyes, while maintaining contact with patrol officers on the ground.
4. Will drones be used for initial incident response and will drones conduct routine patrol?
Drones will not be used as the sole or initial response to MPD calls for service. MPD is not currently adopting the Drone as First Responder model adopted by other law enforcement agencies. Once approved, a drone system and a drone operator will be dispatched to an incident after being requested by members who have already responded to that incident.
Unlike Falcon 1, drones will not be used for routine or increased visibility patrol. Drones will respond to incidents once approved by the Special Operations Division (SOD) commanding official or other Homeland Security Bureau official (the rank of inspector and above) in consultation with the UAS program manager.
Management, Staffing, and Oversight
1. Who within MPD is responsible for overseeing drone operations?
Drone operations within MPD are managed by the SOD, which includes trained pilots and visual observers responsible for flight planning, execution, and data management.
2. How does MPD ensure accountability in drone operations?
MPD maintains a robust system of accountability for drone operations. This includes comprehensive pre-flight checks, post-flight debriefings, and documentation of all operational activities.
Public Notice and Privacy Concerns
1. How does MPD inform the public about its use of drones?
MPD is committed to transparency regarding its use of drones. MPD will provide public notice regarding drone operations. Additionally, MPD will collaborate with community stakeholders to address any concerns or questions regarding drone operations.
2. What measures are in place to protect privacy and civil liberties when using drones?
MPD's drone policy includes guidelines to safeguard privacy and civil liberties. These guidelines govern data collection, retention, and dissemination. Furthermore, MPD is committed to ensuring that drone operations are conducted in a manner consistent with constitutional rights and legal standards. Adhering to clear policies, guidelines, best practices, and legal requirements will demonstrate MPD’s commitment to the responsible use of technology for public safety.
Evidence, Records, and Access
1. How does MPD handle evidence collected by drones during operations?
Any evidence collected by drones during MPD operations is handled in accordance with established evidentiary procedures. This includes maintaining a chain of custody and preserving the integrity of the evidence for use in investigations or legal proceedings.
2. Can the public access records related to MPD drone operations?
MPD may provide access to certain records proactively through its website or other public platforms to promote transparency and accountability. The public may also request records through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) process. FOIA requests will be processed in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
3. How does MPD address concerns raised by the public regarding drone operations?
MPD takes concerns raised by the public regarding drone operations seriously and is committed to addressing them in a timely and transparent manner. The department encourages community members to voice their concerns through established channels such as community meetings, online forums, or direct communication with departmental representatives.
For additional guidance on MPD's use of drones and the policies under which the program is operated, please see General Order 803.09.