PWCPD Spotlight: Department's sUAS Team, Serving in the Sky

New technologies have always offered opportunities to increase law enforcement capabilities in investigating crimes and promoting public safety. The Police Department’s use of drones is an example. In recent years, the sUAS Team – established in 2021 – has been deployed to help search for endangered missing persons, support fellow agencies and manage traffic and security at special events.

On March 20, 2024, the sUAS Team provided support for Fire & Rescue allowing them to see the size and scope of multiple wildfires in the County, one of which impacted Marine Corps Base Quantico and Locust Shade Park. Fire & Rescue leadership would not have had access to this type of situational awareness prior to the start of the Department’s sUAS program.

The sUAS [small unmanned aircraft system] Team is a part-time team consisting of a mix of sworn and professional staff from throughout the Police Department. There are currently 16 remote pilots who participate. Members complete a week-long school and are required to take an exam to obtain their FAA Part 107 license. The Team conducts ongoing training monthly. Virginia code 19.2-60.1 restricts law enforcement use of unmanned aircraft (drones). To use the drones, law enforcement must either have a warrant or meet one of several exceptions. 

“We have great partnerships with the other teams in Northern Virginia and provide mutual aid for events such as the Marine Corps Marathon in Arlington,” said First Sergeant Sam Dixon, assistant team commander. “We also can assist other County agencies such as Emergency Management or the Transportation Department for purposes other than law enforcement. For example, we have assisted with providing situational awareness related to flooding several times.”

The Police Department continues to study and implement emerging technologies to serve the needs of a growing community. Further, the training and commitment of its members to use technology to maintain safe communities is an investment in both employees and County residents.