The NOPD has introduced plans to start utilizing Small Unmanned Aircraft System know-how (sUAS), generally known as drone know-how, that can help the company as each a power multiplier and a crime-fighting software.

The division may even be in search of public enter as coverage to be used of this know-how is being drafted and also will host an upcoming public occasion to exhibit the know-how.

sUAS know-how can be utilized by the NOPD for makes use of equivalent to grid searches, climate occasions, catastrophe response, accident reconstruction and extra, thereby permitting for scenes to be cleared faster and unlock officers who can reply to different emergency scenes. This new, cutting-edge know-how will solely be deployed in sure eventualities and function a extra environment friendly, cost-effective, and safer various to documenting scenes, whereas concurrently capturing photographs and aerial documentation that current a real and correct illustration of the scene for investigators.

Before the implementation of this new know-how, the NOPD is soliciting suggestions from the neighborhood on draft departmental coverage concerning Unmanned Aircraft Systems. There might be a week-long public remark interval from November 21-28, 2023, for soliciting neighborhood suggestions on the draft coverage. The draft coverage may be seen at https://nola.gov/nopd/policies/. Community suggestions may be emailed to policyandplanning@nola.gov.   

The sUAS draft coverage is being constructed with enter from each the Department of Justice and from the Federal Consent Decree Monitors. 

On Tuesday, November 28, the NOPD will host an occasion at 6:00 p.m. on the NOPD Training Academy, 4650 Paris Ave., the place neighborhood members can get a first-hand take a look at the sUAS know-how for use by the NOPD.  

The sUAS program will assist the NOPD to collect essential data as conditions unfold with out placing officers in danger and lessening hurt and hazard to civilian bystanders and different concerned events. SUAS know-how might be a software that NOPD can deploy in choose circumstances to assist preserve those that stay, work, and go to New Orleans protected, and improve officer security. 

All flights might be carried out in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) laws in addition to NOPD insurance policies and procedures. The newly acquired sUAS might be utilized by NOPD officers who’ve obtained coaching on FAA laws associated to unmanned flight and are licensed pilots within the operation of sUAS.  

The NOPD totally respects the privateness rights of all New Orleans residents and guests; sUAS is not going to be utilized for any function not outlined in NOPD insurance policies and procedures.