The Arlington Police Department Aviation Unit uses Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) for interior and exterior applications including high risk tactical operations, search and rescue, and crime scene documentation.

By gaining valuable intelligence, UAS technology serves as a de-escalation tool that enhances safety for community members, officers, and suspects. 

The Aviation Unit is comprised of 32 members who have Part 107 licensing through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

In addition to their operational duties, members of the Aviation Unit regularly attend community events to show the public how UAS technology works and to promote UAS safety. 

What are the specifications of the equipment being used by the Aviation Unit?

The Aviation Unit operates multiple aircraft depending on the mission required. These battery-operated quadcopters carry professional grade cameras and sensors that can add an additional element of officer safety to emergency operations. The officer pilot uses a handheld control device, which relies on radio telemetry to control the aircraft, capture images, and record video. The UAS platforms we deploy have onboard safety systems, including a "return to home" mode if the system loses contact with the officer pilot or it runs low on battery power. The majority of the aircraft used by the Aviation Unit is small enough to hold in one hand.

When and where can the system fly?

The UAS can operate in the National Airspace System (NAS) with permission from the FAA. The authority to fly comes from a public or private Certificate of Authorization. Additionally, the Aviation Unit complies with Texas Government Code 423 related to the use of UAS in Texas as well as the 4th amendment to the United States Constitution. Most of the missions flown are deployed during emergencies by patrol officers to keep officers and citizens safe. The Aviation Unit also routinely supports special events when requested.

Why purchase small aerial systems instead of larger, more commonly used helicopters?

For law enforcement agencies, smaller unmanned aircraft technology provides an alternative to traditional aviation. Unmanned or remotely piloted aircraft systems are more affordable to own and operate than traditional fixed-wing planes and piloted helicopters. Additionally, the mission of a UAS can emulate that of a pole camera. For example, while it would be dangerous to send an officer into an attic to search for an armed suspect, a small quadcopter can accomplish much of the same mission with no danger to the officer flying the UAS.

Who makes the final decision on whether the UAS is used?

The Arlington Police Department has established specific procedures for when and how the small unmanned aerial system can be used. All flights are pre-approved by a designated Aviation Unit Officer who has completed a flight school. Local airports and federal counterparts are also notified when required by regulations. Each flight is logged and reported both to the FAA and the State of Texas bi-annually as required by the Government Code. These logs are routinely audited through internal procedures to ensure the UAS is used in accordance with policy and law.

Will my privacy be impacted?

Maintaining an individual's privacy and protecting the civil liberties of all persons is of paramount importance to the Arlington Police Department. The department is bound by federal law and the laws of the State of Texas that direct search and seizures. The UAS device is no different than the police officer in an elevated position. In order for a police officer to be present and searching for someone or something, the officer must have a search warrant or a judicially recognized exception to a search warrant. The same requirements apply to the operation of the UAS.

I have a UAS device. Where can I fly it within Arlington? 

FlySafe is the City of Arlington's initiative to ensure the safe, respectful, and legal use of UAS within our community.

To help residents and business, the City of Arlington provides live data on areas of potential risk, advisories for local events or emergencies, and other flight planning features through AirHub Portal - an FAA approved, Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) application.

Pilots can access pre-flight risk assessments, local weather reports, and automated real-time LAANC approvals to fly in locally controlled airspace (under 400 feet) in just two clicks.

Annual Report

Click here to read the 2022 report for the Use of Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems.

For more information about the Arlington Police Department Aviation Unit, send email to [email protected].

Known Future Deployments

Please see the table below for information concerning known UAS deployment dates. Unless otherwise noted, training will generally occur at the Ott Cribbs Public Safety Center, which is located at 620 W Division Street. Deployments are contingent upon weather and pilot availability.