To enhance EPD’s drone proficiency and learn the latest in drone technologies, case law, and best practices, Eugene Police Drone Team leadership, along with Springfield Police members of the Drone Metro Team, is participating in the prestigious National Law Enforcement Drone Association training, hosted by Bend Police Department.
More than 70 law enforcement agencies nationwide are attending the training. In 2022, the EPD Drone Team had 1,100 total flights, including training, and 246 field deployments. Thirty-seven of those deployments have been for crash/crime scene reconstruction work. The program currently runs on a small budget from patrol, with support from the Eugene Police Foundation. EPD also completed the merger with the Springfield Police Department, operating as The Eugene Springfield Metro Drone Team.
There are many instances where having an eye in the sky can help locate a missing and endangered person or an armed and dangerous suspect on the loose. Having an overhead view can also help a bomb team or SWAT team more safely enter an area to respond on the public’s behalf or document a crime scene. Eugene Police Drone Team debuted its program in April 2018.
About the National Law Enforcement Drone Training
According to LEDA: “LEDA, a renowned non-profit organization, is facilitating a comprehensive training program focusing on the optimal use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS, or drones) in law enforcement. The participants will engage in intense learning sessions, including case law updates, search and seizure training, counter UAS investigations, drone as the first responder (DFR) integration, and the latest Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) updates. The week-long training will blend theoretical knowledge with practical experience, consisting of classroom seminars and hands-on, scenario-based flight exercises. It aims to equip law enforcement agencies with the knowledge and skills required to implement and operate drone technology effectively, adhering to the highest standards and best practices.”
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