Chambana Sun

The Champaign Police Department is launching a new program designed to promote community safety by offering a bird’s eye view of large community events and in-progress situations. Through the launch of an Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Program – commonly referred to as a Drone Program – Champaign Police will be able to quickly search for missing persons, photograph crime scenes and traffic crashes with speed and accuracy, and promote the safety of the community and police personnel.

“Champaign Police will always be present to promote safety for our residents, visitors, and businesses,” said Police Chief Timothy T. Tyler. “This technology will give us a new perspective to seek out those who would do harm or find those in need of immediate assistance.”

All flights will be conducted in compliance with the Illinois Freedom from Drone Surveillance Act (725 ILCS 167), which limits law enforcement use of drones to a relatively short list of specific purposes. Among those are:

- To look for missing people (but not as part of a criminal investigation).

- In response to a 911 call when the sole purpose is to locate and help victims.

- During a disaster or public health emergency.

- When police have a search warrant signed by a judge.

- For crime scene or traffic crash photography.

- To counter a high risk of a terrorist attack.

- To prevent imminent harm to life, escape of a suspect, or the destruction of evidence.

- During special events, with notice posted at least 24 hours in advance about the planned use of police drones.

“CPD officers have been trained and certified to conduct flights under strict protocols and specific circumstances,” said Lieutenant Gregory Manzana, who will oversee the department’s program. “State law expressly prohibits drones from being deployed without a specific lawful reason and requires annual reporting on drone deployments.”

Champaign Police Officers trained to fly UAS devices must be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration through the Part 107 Licensing Program. Additionally, they are required by Department Policy to complete policy and flight training before deployment in the field.

To promote transparency on UAS technology and its use in the community, the Champaign Police Department has launched a new webpage, champaignil.gov/uas. The page includes details on drone technology, including how it works, Champaign Police Department policies regarding drone usage, and answers to frequently asked questions.