04-09 Use of Surveillance Aircraft
LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT
DETECTIVE DIVISION
FRAUD & CYBER CRIMES BUREAU
Bureau Order Number: 04-09
Subject: USE OF AIRCRAFT
| Effective Date: | May 1, 2001 | Last Date Revised | October 20, 2020 |
| Date Reviewed: | October 20, 2020 | Next Review Date: | October 20, 2021 |
PURPOSE
The purpose of this order is to provide information for the use of and gaining the required authorization for the deployment of aircraft assets for surveillance purposes.
GUIDELINES
Department aircraft may be utilized in conjunction with routine Sheriff's
Department law enforcement surveillance activities within Los Angeles County. All requests for aircraft shall be coordinated through the Aero Bureau
Surveillance Operations Sergeant or Watch Sergeant. This permits control and coordination of investigative teams and prioritization of air support.
Aero Bureau policy authorizes pilots conducting a surveillance to maintain a surveillance within the following counties:
- Orange County
- Ventura County
- Kern County
- San Bernardino County
- Riverside County
- San Diego County
- Imperial County
- Santa Barbara County
If the need arises to proceed beyond these parameters, the Investigating Officer (I/O) in charge of the surveillance shall have the responsibility for obtaining authorization.
Prior to an air surveillance, the Investigator shall discuss with the air operations supervisor and assigned crews his/her intentions and the probabilities of an extended surveillance so that appropriate approvals may be obtained in advance and flight contingencies planned. Investigators requesting the service of Aero Bureau's "King Air" shall notify their respective team lieutenant who will get authorization from the unit commander. The I/O shall request all necessary paperwork from Aero Bureau's Operations staff, which will be presented to the unit commander for signature.