Mission
The mission of the Burbank Police Department's Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Drone Program is to provide airborne support to police and emergency operations in a safe, responsible, and transparent manner, for the purpose of increasing the safety and security of citizens in the City of Burbank.
Overview
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), more commonly referred to as drones, have proven to be a valuable resource for law enforcement, first responders, and during emergency service operations. The Burbank Police Department and many other law enforcement agencies have adopted drone programs after seeing the benefits and value they provide to improving public safety. The Burbank Police Department Drone Program is not a replacement for our current air support operations (helicopter program), but rather serves to supplement the helicopter as a more efficient and cost-effective alternative for small-scale missions and operations.
History
The Burbank Police Department initiated a drone program in 2018. While developing the program, the Burbank Police Department studied the use of drone technology in public safety operations, while also researching best practices, policies, and procedures regarding the use of sUAS technology in law enforcement.
Several sworn police officers are trained in drone operations and the use of sUAS technology. Each operator earns and maintains FAA Part 107 certification.
Frequently Asked Questions:
A drone, or unmanned aircraft system, is an aerial device with an onboard computer that is operated remotely, generally by a pilot on the ground, using a handheld controller.
Small drones are battery-operated, weigh less than 55 pounds, have several rotors similar to a helicopter, and are equipped with a video camera.
Any video(s) and/or photograph(s) collected and saved by the UAS/drone are saved and stored in the same manner as body-worn camera (BWC) video and other investigative digital evidence. The Burbank Police Department stores digital evidence in a secure network database, and also in a private "cloud" service, Evidence.com.
These services are authorized and certified under both state and federal regulations for the security and protection of confidential information, and are available/accessible only for official law enforcement purposes. Evidence is stored and retained in accordance with current record retention policies.
Videos and photographs collected by our UAS are generally accessible to police investigators and personnel for official use only. Like all police records, videos, and photos may also be subject to additional release under the same rules and restrictions as body-worn camera video and other items of evidence.
Generally, UAS photos and videos related to an active police investigation are considered part of the investigative record and are not available to the public under the California Public Records Act (CPRA) or the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
The purpose and intent of the Burbank Police Department drone program is to supplement air support operations and assist law enforcement and other first responders in various operations.
Burbank Police drone operators are prohibited from intentionally recording or transmitting images/video of any location where a person would have a reasonable expectation of privacy, except where/when authorized by a warrant issued by a judge, or in emergency situations.
The Burbank Police Department owns and operates one DJI Matrice 30 drone and two DJI Mavic Pro drones for outdoor use.
The Department also operates two Loki MK2 EU drones intended for close-quarter, indoor tactical operations. The Loki drones are primarily used by the SWAT Team.
The drone has proven to be an invaluable tool during a variety of police operations and investigations. It has been used to capture detailed aerial footage of traffic intersections for the reconstruction of fatal and serious injury collisions, providing investigators with accurate perspectives that would be difficult to obtain from the ground.
Additionally, the drone serves as an effective overwatch tool during large-scale outdoor events that span several city blocks, enabling officers to monitor crowd movement, traffic flow, and potential safety concerns in real-time.
Drones are also beneficial during critical incidents such as searches for missing persons, containment operations, and crime scene documentation. Their ability to deploy rapidly and operate at low altitudes allows officers to gather critical visual information quickly and safely, often in areas that are difficult or dangerous to access on foot or by vehicle.
Burbank Police drones are operated by FAA-certified and licensed operators. The Burbank Police Department has six operators, all of whom are sworn police officers. They are the only personnel authorized to operate the drones.
The Drone Program Manager authorizes the use and deployment of the drone. In emergency or exigent situations, the on-duty Watch Commander can authorize the deployment of a drone.
The drone could be deployed during critical incidents, disasters, or calamities (brush fires, earthquakes, floods, etc.), during active K-9 searches, search and rescue operations, crime scene investigations, structure fires, or as security overwatch of public events or public areas for the purposes of safeguarding the public and preventing/deterring crime or criminal activity.
There are certain exemptions for drones operated by law enforcement that are mostly applicable during emergency operations or critical missions, and most exemptions pertain to FAA rules and notification requirements.
The drone, like the Air Support (helicopter) Unit, provides valuable aerial support to law enforcement and other first responders on the ground. While both serve similar purposes, they complement one another and are used in different ways.
The drone is highly portable, can be deployed quickly, and is ideal for flying at lower altitudes to capture detailed views of an area. The helicopter, on the other hand, can cover greater distances, remain airborne for longer periods, and is better suited for following vehicles or providing a broader aerial perspective. Together, they enhance public safety and operational effectiveness.
This information can be found here: DRONES - BMC
