for a few police applications. For example, small,
over half the completed price of its next helicopter. 1 8
inexpensive unmanned aircraft, operated by unsworn
The next time ASD is due to purchase a new aircraft,
personnel, could greatly extend the capacity of the
a UAS model at $80,000 could be purchased for each
“cop on the beat” to be aware of trouble as it starts.
of the 21 stations for a total of $1.7 million, or just over half of the cost of one new, fully configured
Timing of UAS Adoption
A-Star. Although the additional cost of stationing FAA-licensed pilots at each station must be considered, this could simultaneously maintain the ASD mission and develop a robust UAS fleet. These are only a few examples of how LAPD could substitute UASs for
One of the most important considerations for the
helicopters at the margin for a reasonable cost.
LAPD regarding UASs is timing: how much to do and how quickly to do it. The agency has the choice to be a headfirst pioneer, fast follower, or cautious follower in using UASs for policing. We analyze the choices below.
Fa s t F o l l o w e r i s t h e P r efe r r e d Approach
Drawbacks of F u l l Re p l a c e m e n t A complete replacement strategy in the short term would entail a full commitment to current UAS technology that may soon be out of date. Thus, if followed, this approach would require that the LAPD be a cautious follower for a widespread implementation. Significant changes in the regulatory framework currently governing UAS operations may
For a partial replacement strategy, it seems best that
soon alter the entire mission profile of unmanned
the LAPD be a fast follower. In the medium term,
flight. Because full replacement in the short term does
substitution at the margin within ASD might be the
not leave room for advances in UAS technology—or
most practical approach. Partially replacing helicopter
for changes in FAA flight standards as proposed in the
shifts with UASs during either low-crime hours or
next five to ten years—there is cause to be wary of a
in low-crime neighborhoods (or both) would allow
sweeping UAS implementation.
helicopters to target activities and locations where their deterrent value is highest.17 However, one particular
Full replacement of the helicopter fleet is a
characteristic of Los Angeles creates a dilemma for this
long-term question that is guided by the uncertainty
strategy: Although the city’s areas with the highest
of FAA regulations in the next decade, the budgetary
violent crime rate are smaller and therefore more
constraints of the LAPD, the hourly cost of UAS flight,
geographically suitable for UAS flight, helicopters
and the plausibility of ever completely replacing ASD
are most effective in these areas. Therefore, a partial
personnel with unmanned aircraft. When the FAA
replacement strategy might best be implemented in
approves long-range, extended duration UAS flight
neighborhoods with higher property crime rates.
for densely populated areas, the paradigm for police aviation may shift significantly. If UAS models with
On the other hand, the LAPD might best be served by
these capabilities prove to be a cost-effective substitute
equipping each individual station with a UAS for just
for the general patrol function, the composition of ASD
E y e s in t he Sky
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