CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – The Champaign Police Department (CPD) is launching their new Drone Program, giving them a brand-new eye in the sky.
The Unmanned Aerial Systems Program (UAS), also known as the Drone Program, will allow CPD to use drone technology to monitor Champaign County from a bird’s eye view. These drones will be used for specific purposes including terrorist attack prevention, traffic collisions, missing person searches, and much more in compliance with the Freedom from Drone Surveillance Act.
CPD ensures that this technology will be used exclusively to prevent crime and promote safety around the community. Police officers will be required to undergo training for drone flight and restricted usages of the drones.
“CPD officers have been trained and certified to conduct flights under strict protocols and specific circumstances,” said Lt. Gregory Manzana, who will oversee the department’s program. “State law expressly prohibits drones from being deployed without a specific lawful reason and requires annual reporting on drone deployments.”
Drone usage will be limited to the following:
• To look for missing people (but not as part of a criminal investigation).
• In response to a 911 call when the sole purpose is to locate and help victims.
• During a disaster or public health emergency.
• When police have a search warrant signed by a judge.
• For crime scene or traffic crash photography.
• To counter a high risk of a terrorist attack.
• To prevent imminent harm to life, escape of a suspect, or the destruction of evidence.
• During special events, with notice posted at least 24 hours in advance about the planned use of police drones.
For more information, visit champaignil.gov/uas.