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1. What is a drone or UAS?

An Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), or drone, is an aerial device with an onboard computer that is operated remotely, generally by a pilot on the ground, using a handheld controller. Small drones are battery operated, weigh less than 55 pounds, have several rotors like a helicopter, and are equipped with a camera.

2. Where are the videos and photos taken by the UAS stored?

All video and photo evidence taken during any UAS mission is stored in the same manner as other investigative evidence. The Creve Coeur Police Department utilizes a digital evidence management system, DigitalOnQ, to store digital evidence. Evidence is stored for a specified time based upon guidance provided by the Missouri Schedule of Local Government Records Retention.

3. Who has access to the videos and photos?

Videos and photos collected by the UAS are stored for the purposes of conducting law enforcement investigations and subsequent prosecutions. Accordingly, videos and photos are generally accessible to police investigators for official use only. Like all police records, videos and photos may also be subject to additional release under the same rules and restrictions as BWC (body worn camera) videos and other items of evidence. Generally, UAS photos and videos are considered part of the investigative record and are not available to the public under the Missouri Sunshine Law or Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). For more details, please refer to CCPD Policy #503 on Audio/Video Recording.

4. How is my privacy protected?

The Creve Coeur Police Department UAS program adheres to the Missouri and United States Constitutions, the regulations of the FAA, and the Revised Statutes of Missouri.  Care is taken to ensure pilots do not intentionally record or transmit images of any location where a person would have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as private backyards or inside private buildings, except where authorized by a warrant issued by a judge or in emergency situations.

5. What training do UAS pilots undergo?

In addition to the training and study required to maintain an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot License, all Creve Coeur Police UAS team members train regularly in a variety of locations and settings to ensure operational efficiency.  All training is documented, and the records are maintained by the Creve Coeur Police Department and are subject to review by the FAA.

6. What rules and regulations must Creve Coeur Police UAS pilots follow?

All Creve Coeur Police UAS pilots are subject to FAA regulations related to airspace use, and all must have a valid Part 107 Remote Pilot License. UAS pilots are also subject to Creve Coeur Police Department policy #582 on UAS operations.

7. How do I ask a question or make a complaint about UAS in Creve Coeur?

Anyone may email a question regarding UAS in general or the CCPD UAS program to the Program Manager directly at rwiginton@crevecoeurmo.gov. In addition, anyone may make a complaint to the Creve Coeur Police Department in person or via phone (314-737-4600) and ask for a department supervisor.