Policy Text
University of California, San Francisco
Police Department General Orders
10.1 Special Operations
10.1.18 Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Operations (Issued: 1/2/25)
A. The UCSF Police Department operates an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) to enhance
public safety by providing first responders with an aerial perspective and improved
situational awareness in a multitude of situations. Unmanned aircraft may be equipped with
high-definition cameras, which can provide real time video, and/or with forward -looking
infrared (FLIR) systems, which can detect dangers that might otherwise not be visible. The
ability to provide an aerial view enhances officer safety without placing add itional first
responders at risk and provides key information to leaders , allowing them to make better
decisions regarding the deployment of resources, public safety messaging, etc. The UAS
described in this General Order is a small, unmanned aircraft syst em (SUAS) (as defined
in the UC UAS Policy).
This policy establishes the guidelines and protocol for deployment and use of the UCSF
Police Department UAS, including retention and/or destruction of digital recordings
obtained in accordance with applicable Federal law, State law and UC guidelines.
B. Definitions
1. Certificate of Authorization (COA) : Given by the Federal Aviation Administration
(FM) granting permission to fly the UAS within specific boundaries and perimeters.
2. Federal Aviation Administratio n (FAA) : The national aviation authority of the
United States with powers to regulate all aspects of the National Airspace System
(NAS) .
3. Observer : A member of the UC Police Department who is trained and authorized
to maintain visual observa tion of the UAS while in flight.
4. Pilot : A member of the UC Police Department who is trained, certified and
authorized to control a UAS during flight.
5. UC UAS Policy : The existing University of California Unmanned Aircraft System
(Drone) Policy that es tablishes the University oversight and minimum record -
keeping requirements for a UAS. Establishes Designated Local Authorities at each
University Location and a Systemwide Designated UAS Authority to provide
oversight.
6. Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) : Unmanned aircraft of any type that is capable
of sustaining directed flight, whether preprogrammed or remotely controlled, and
all the supporting or attached systems designed for gathering information through
imaging, recording or any other means. The unmann ed aircraft m ay also be referred
to as a drone or unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) .
7. Small Unmanned Aircraft System (SUAS) : A UAS consisting of unmanned aircraft
weighing less than 55 pounds and the associated elements required to operate them
safely and e fficiently in the national airspace system.
University of California, San Francisco
Police Department General Orders
C. Policy
Unmanned aircraft systems may be utilized to enhance the Department's ability to perform
its mission of protecting lives and property. Any use of a UAS will be in strict accordance
with constitutiona l and privacy rights, FAA regulations, UC UAS policy and Department
policy. Safety, above all else, is the primary concern in every operation, regardless of the
nature of the mission.
All flight operations made by the Department are subject to Department protocols for pilot
training, mission planning, impact on privacy, flight authorization, flight documentation,
acciden t/incident reporting and data management. A Program Coordinator will be
appointed by the Chief of Police to develop appropriate protocols and manage the UAS
Program.
This policy satisfies the requirement for the UC UAS policy exemption from advance
approval from the Designated Local Authority or Systemwide Designated UAS Authority ,
during an exigent or emergency situation.
D. Privacy
Use of the UAS potentially involves privacy considerations. Personnel will consider the
protection of individual civil rights and the reasonable expectation of privacy as key
component s of any decision made to deploy the UAS. Pilots will take reasonab le
precautions to avoid inadvertently recording or transmitting images that infringe upon an
individual's right to privacy.
E. Chief of Police
The Chief of Police or his/her designee is responsible for the following:
1. Communicating the Department's commitment to safety, privacy, civil rights
and civil liberties
2. Oversight of the UAS Program and reviewing periodic reports and audits on the
program
3. Appointing a Program Coordinator , who will be responsible for the management
of the UAS Program.
F. Program Coordinator
The Program Coordinator is responsible for :
1. Ensuring Department UAS policies and procedures conform to current laws,
regulations and best practices
2. Developin g and authorizing training programs and requirements
3. Ensuring that every authorized operator and required observer ha s completed the
required FAA and Department -approved training on UAS operation and
applicable laws, policies and procedures
University of California, San Francisco
Police Department General Orders
4. Developing a uniform protocol for the submission and evaluation of UAS
deployment requests , including urgent requests made during on -going or
emerging incidents
5. Developing a protocol for conducting criminal investigations involving a UAS,
including documentation of time spent monitoring a subject
6. Implementing a system for public notification of UAS deployment
7. Developing an operational protocol governing the deployment and operation of a
UAS including, but not limited to , safety oversight, use o f visual observ ation and
establishment of lost link procedures and secure communication with air traffic
control facilities
8. Developing a protocol for fully documenting all UAS missions and reviewing
flight