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Pitchess Detention Center - South Facility / Chapter III - Administrative Orders / Section 5 - Facility Security

3-05-200 Drone Incursions


3-05-190 Laundry Facility Security
3-05-210 Recreational Use of Drones - UAVs on PDC Property

3-05-200 Drone Incursions

Effective Date: 04-30-18

Revision Date: 09-26-18

Review Date: 09-26-20

Reference: Aero Bureau Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) patrol guidelines

 

PURPOSE OF ORDER:

The purpose of this order is to establish guidelines for personnel responses to an unauthorized drone operating on the Pitchess Detention Center (PDC) property, within proximity to PDC South Facility or any PDC ranch area where inmates have access.

 

SCOPE OF ORDER: 

This order applies to all personnel assigned to, and working at PDC South Facility and PDC ranch.

 

ORDER:

A “drone incursion” is defined as the presence of an unidentified, foreign, remotely controlled drone, within visible proximity of the PDC ranch.

Documented uses of emerging drone technology shows that drones can be criminally utilized in a variety of ways that affect the security of jail facilities.

Possible criminal activities that can be accomplished using drones may include but not be limited to the following:[REDACTED TEXT]

[REDACTED TEXT]

In the event of a drone incursion, the following procedures shall be followed:

  • Personnel initially spotting the drone shall immediately notify South Facility main control (David), noting its description, contraband contents (if visible), and direction of flight (every effort needs to be made to keep the drone in sight for updated position reporting).
  • Video record (or assign someone to video record) the drone while still in flight, and upon recovery.
  • South David personnel shall direct an immediate full lockdown of the facility
    • Time permitting, all inmates shall be locked down indoors [REDACTED TEXT]
  • South David shall notify the following Sheriff’s Department (or other) units in the immediate area that could be affected, or that may be available to assist:[REDACTED TEXT]
  • The watch commander shall respond to an appropriate location to assume operational command of the incident.
  • The watch commander will direct South David personnel to relay the type of defensive measures that shall be employed and where resources are to be deployed.[REDACTED TEXT]
  • The ERT should be divided into two (2) equally equipped squads and positioned as a secondary, inner-perimeter defense within the facility (one squad can be positioned to defend the upper compounds, and the second can be staged to defend the lower compounds).
  • The watch commander shall direct involved personnel to either continue to monitor the drone, or attempt to disable and intercept it.
  • The closest available Adam unit will respond and position himself in the best location to monitor the drone in flight, and respond to the drone if it lands.
    • He shall continue to relay, over the radio, his position and his available resources.
  • One of the remaining Adam units shall immediately conduct a systematic search for the drone’s operator—which could be over a half-mile radius (in most cases the operator will be close enough to maintain sight of the drone).
  • If the drone operator is located, the Adam unit shall notify South David of the operator’s location, request assistance, and detain the suspect pending a criminal investigation (this may occur while the drone is still airborne).
  • Personnel shall continually monitor the drone until it lands.
  • If there is any appearance or indication of an attached explosive device, personnel shall:[REDACTED TEXT]
  • Once a drone is on the ground, and deemed safe, personnel shall immediately take control of it and prevent it from resuming flight.[REDACTED TEXT]
  • Personnel shall preserve and secure the landing site as a crime scene making sure to note any debris and contraband that may have scattered in the case of a hard landing or faulty attachment.
  • Personnel shall photograph the drone in its original state, with any contraband still attached, prior to handling.
    • All physical, video and photographic evidence shall be booked into the Property Evidence Laboratory Information Management System (PRELIMS) database (consider booking all physical evidence “hold for prints”).
  • After a drone incursion, the watch commander and/or watch sergeant shall ensure all documentation and subsequent reports are completed including:
    • Chief’s memorandum
    • Operations Incident Log
    • Incident Report (SH-R-49)
    • Proper handling and booking of evidence
  • The watch commander shall also ensure all applicable department notifications are made, including:
    • Unit Commander & Duty Commander
    • Department Executives & Custody Headquarters
    • Sheriff Headquarters Bureau
    • Custody Investigative Services Unit
    • Custody Training Bureau
    • Jail Investigative Unit
    • Operation Safe Jails
    • Aero Bureau
    • Santa Clarita Patrol Station

    • [REDACTED TEXT]

     

    Revision Date 09/26/18

    04/30/18 SOUF