Implementing an Effective Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Program

State, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies, as well as members of the community, have been increasing their use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS)—also known as drones—because of their increasing utility and efficiency. In early 2020, the COPS Office launched a working group comprising leaders in the field, both local and federal, to identify and create vital resources for law enforcement agencies using and confronting the use of drones. This publication is a roadmap on how agencies can plan, establish, and implement drone programs.