QCPD utilizes small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) as a resource to respond to emergency situations.  

The department has seven officers that are certified FAA Part 107 pilots authorized to fly small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS).

The deployment and flight of a sUAS will be monitored by a police supervisor. In addition, pilots will obtain appropriate airspace authorization prior to flight and stay in compliance with Federal Aviation regulations.

The aerial visual perspective provided through the sUAS program is beneficial in a variety of emergency responses:

1. Situational Awareness:  To assist Incident Commanders in understanding the nature, scale and scope of an incident and/or for planning and coordinating and effective response.

2. Search and Rescue:  To assist missing person investigations, Amber Alerts, and other search and rescue missions.

3. Tactical Deployment:  To support the tactical operations in providing overwatch and observation.

4. Visual Perspective:  Provide an aerial visual to assist emergency personnel (crowd control, traffic incident management, temporary perimeter security, etc.).

5. Scene Documentation:  To document a crime scene, vehicle crash, disaster management, incident response or forensic investigation.

6. Fire Fighting:  Assist firefighting efforts through the use of thermal imaging and provide aerial perspectives to help fire personnel determine the best and safest methods of fire suppression.

QCPD also demonstrates the sUAS program at community events and outreach activities. 

Effective April 1, 2023, all QCPD’s deployments of sUAS will be documented here. Please note, active scenarios may result in posting after the incident is resolved.