For purposes of this section, unmanned aircraft system (UAS) is defined as a small unmanned aircraft that weighs less than 55 pounds, including any attachments. UAS authorized to be operated by the Department are not armed with any munitions.
Special Enforcement Bureau (SEB) responds to high-risk tactical/rescue/hazmat emergencies. In these situations of extreme threat, the deployment of an UAS may be authorized. SEB is the only unit that can authorize the deployment of an UAS and is the lead point of contact between the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and LASD for UAS operations. No other member of the Department shall deploy their own personal UAS during the course of their duties or utilize a UAS from any other source, including a UAS from an outside law enforcement agency.
Authorized UAS operations are limited to emergency and life-threatening situations, such as search and rescue missions, explosive ordnance detection missions, disaster response, barricaded suspects, hostage situations, active shooters, hazardous materials incidents, fire-related incidents, and other high-risk tactical operations. A UAS shall not be used for non-emergent surveillance missions or missions that would violate the privacy rights of the public.
SEB shall maintain a cadre of individuals certified by the FAA to operate an UAS. Only those individuals authorized by the SEB unit commander to operate an UAS shall operate an UAS. An UAS operation requires a two-person team of SEB personnel consisting of a qualified operator and an observer.
An UAS is not a substitute for Aero Bureau. It may compliment Aero Bureau but has different missions and capabilities.