Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), or drones, have revolutionized the way law enforcement and public agencies serve their communities. From disaster response and crime scene documentation to search and rescue, drones provide rapid intelligence and cost-effective aerial capabilities once reserved for manned aircraft.
The FAA recognizes this benefit and, to facilitate public operations, issues Certificates of Authorization (COAs) to government entities that need to use drones for official purposes. These COAs allow government agencies, including police and sheriff’s departments, to fly drones without requiring individual officers to hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
