boundary of its precinct within approximately four minutes (once launched).
15
By comparison, averaging
could potentially expand the security net provided by aerial surveillance at little or no cost to the LAPD.
the routine operating speeds of the A-Star and Jet
Considering the extremely low cost and growing
Ranger puts ASD’s response time between three and
technological capacities of recreational UAS models,
four minutes anywhere within the city, if one aircraft is
the LAPD could contribute a few of these aircraft
patrolling on either side of the I-10 freeway.
16
Because
patrol sectors vary in size, between 20-40 UASs
to worthy users at an insignificant cost to the department.
would be needed in order to make UAS response time comparable to that of LAPD helicopters.
For example, the LAPD could encourage university police departments to assist them in paving the
Deployment by Patrol Car: Small UASs deployed
way for routine UAS flight. Most campus police
from patrol vehicles could expand a ground officer ’s
departments patrol a small geographic area with
capabilities in general. But they would be most useful
relatively low crime rates, making for a more subtle
in pursuing a suspect on foot. Some UASs can travel
UAS testing ground. Some campuses would likely
in a launch-ready configuration if placed in patrol
benefit from this initiative more than others. For
vehicles. This capability could also fill perhaps the
example, campuses in high crime areas would
largest deficiency of the helicopter fleet—the inability
probably be better served by UAS flight. Even at
to quickly deploy an aircraft that hovers at very low
lower-crime campuses, UASs equipped with cameras
altitudes, travels indoors, or simultaneously moves
and audio speakers might easily replace some campus
quickly and sees below tree lines or infrastructure.
late-night security measures.
However, current FAA pilot licensing requirements make this option largely impractical. Potential for UASs in Non-LAPD Organizations:
UASs can also be implemented through partner police organizations and unsworn personnel (nonlaw enforcement). This step could bypass regulatory
Inexpensive models and Unsworn Pe r s o n n e l
hurdles restricting UAS flight by the LAPD and allow the department to outsource unmanned aircraft
One final consideration should be addressed outside
experimentation. However, use of unmanned systems
of the LAPD: a UAS trial may not necessarily
by the private sector for commercial purposes is
require purchasing expensive models specifically
currently prohibited by the FAA; COAs cannot be
manufactured for use by public agencies. The
granted to private companies or organizations (Davis
technical differences between these aircraft and
2008). As a result, it will be difficult to outsource the
inexpensive remote-control aircraft have been
implementation of UASs to private entities. However,
steadily decreasing. In fact, some UASs intended
the case for a large company, neighborhood watch, or
for police use are manufactured by companies that
business district flying small, store-bought UASs does
specialize in recreational products. Currently, a
seem to be an efficient alternative to police use.
small, four-rotor aircraft featuring live streaming HD video from two onboard cameras is available
Within the law enforcement community, one policy
at a well-known chain retailer for $299 (Brookstone
alternative is to promote and support partner police
2011). While this popular model lacks the speed and
organizations flying small, inexpensive UASs. This
range of more expensive models, it may be suitable
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