The Spring Hill Police Department (SHPD) in Spring Hill, Tennessee has purchased a UAS to assist with a variety of missions, including providing an aerial view of major traffic crash scenes and HAZMAT incidents, helping to search for missing children, and tracking a suspect on the run.

The UAS, which has a “Small UAS Certificate of Registration” from the FAA, will also be used to examine storm water drainage issues, roadway construction projects, and school traffic dynamics.

In a press release published on July 12, Police Chief Don Brite explained the benefits of this technology.  

“Obviously, we can’t put a helicopter in our budget,” Brite said. “So, this is a tool that can provide that same aerial view at a small fraction of the expense.”

To ease any potential fears that the community might have about this new technology, Brite went on to explain that the UAS will only be used when absolutely necessary.

“To be clear, the drone will not be used for traffic enforcement or issuing citations, invasion of privacy, surveillance, or other uses deemed improper,” he said.

“Use of a UAV will be allowed in any situation where a search warrant has been obtained. To further calm any fears about the use of the aircraft, there will not be any weapons attached to it.”

All flights have to be preapproved by Chief Brite or his designee.

On Monday, July 17, the Spring Hill Board of Mayor and Aldermen will vote on the department’s “Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations Policy.” The policy was discussed two weeks prior at the board’s work session.

Under the policy, SHPD Detective Geoff Betts, who earned his UAS remote pilot's license from the FAA, or another trained individual under the direct supervision of Det. Betts., are the only ones who can fly the UAS.

To ensure that the UAS is available for flight at all times, two other officers will eventually become UAS certified as well.