Drone Unit

About the drone unit

The drone unit was established in late 2021, around October or November. The drones were originally donated by CPAAA, and the team initially consisted of 11 drone pilots. Each shift had three pilots, and there was one officer dedicated to crime prevention. The unit initially had two drones, a Mavic 2 and an M300.

DJI matrice 300

In 2022, the unit expanded its fleet by acquiring three additional drones, bringing the total number of drone devices to five. Once the sergeant obtained a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA (Part 107), the unit became fully operational. Regular monthly training sessions were held to ensure proficiency. The drones were primarily used for suspect searches and responding to missing person or welfare concern calls. They also played a role in three major city events, with a total of over 160 flights logged for those events. The Sugar Land Drone Unit responded to the Houston Police Department’s request for mutual aid drone support to provide assistance with the World Series parade. Throughout the year, the drone unit accumulated a total flight time of 118.73 hours.

In 2023, the unit focused on expanding its capabilities by acquiring the Pix 4 D system for accident reconstruction. The unit was deployed for four more major city events and provided assistance during the NCAA Basketball Final 4 tournament for HPD. They also contributed to multiple suspect searches and supported various crime reduction efforts. The unit also began training with SWAT and SRT teams. In 2023, the unit accumulated a total of 331.7 flight hours.

  1. 1 Drone operator with drone
  2. 2 Drone in Sky
  3. 3 Drone launch
  4. 4 Accident Reconstruction taping
  5. 5 Accident Reconstruction Drone
  6. 6 Drone with controller

Utilization of the drones & duties

The main use of drones includes search and rescue operations to cover large areas quickly and locate missing persons, suspects evading the police, or responding to welfare concern calls. Thermal imaging cameras on drones are especially helpful in detecting body heat, even in dense vegetation or during nighttime. Additionally, drones aid the Fire Department by providing thermal imaging for structure fires. They are also utilized for Crime Scene Investigation to capture detailed aerial images that give investigators an overview and help identify evidence. Moreover, drones assist in documenting accident scenes, homicides, and other incidents. For Surveillance and Monitoring purposes, drones monitor crowds during public events, protests, or gatherings. They improve situational awareness and contribute to maintaining public safety. Furthermore, drones can assist with Traffic Management and Accident Reconstruction by assessing traffic congestion, monitoring road conditions, and helping manage traffic flow. They are even capable of creating 3D models for accident reconstruction, providing valuable assistance to investigations. In tactical operations like SWAT and patrol procedures, drones play a crucial role in providing real-time intelligence. They effectively assess building layouts, identify potential threats, and assist in planning tactical responses. Additionally, drones also contribute significantly to weather response and assessment efforts. By surveying weather conditions in affected areas and evaluating the extent of damage, they provide invaluable insights for effective disaster management. Moreover, drones can be incredibly useful for community policing and public relations. Participating in outreach events, drones actively engage with local communities, promoting public education and fostering trust between law enforcement and the public.

Legal notice 

The use of drones is regulated by Texas Government code CHAPTER 423. USE OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT. As required by Title 4, Subtitle B, Chapter 423, Section 423.008 REPORTING BY LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY, the Sugar Land Police Department's annual flight log can be found here.