Mission:

The mission of the Seward Police Department's Drone Program is to leverage advanced drone technology to enhance public safety and provide critical support in emergency situations. 

By integrating drone technology into our operations, we strive to protect and serve our community with greater efficiency while doing so in a safe, responsible and transparent manner.

Overview:

A drone, or unmanned aircraft system (UAS), is a remote-controlled flying device equipped with cameras, sensors, and other technologies. Drones can significantly enhance public safety by providing real-time aerial views and data during emergencies. They improve search and rescue operations, deliver essential supplies in hard-to-reach areas, monitor large events, and assist in disaster response. By offering a swift and efficient way to gather critical information from above, drones help emergency responders make informed decisions and act quickly to protect lives and property.

 Through our dedicated drone program, we aim to:

1. Enhance Search and Rescue Efforts: Utilize drones to locate and rescue missing or endangered individuals swiftly and effectively, minimizing response times and improving outcomes.

2. Deliver Rescue and Survival Supplies: Deploy drones to deliver essential supplies such as life preservers, medical kits, food, and water to individuals in life threatening situations.

3. Support During Natural Disasters: Provide aerial reconnaissance and real-time data to aid in disaster response and recovery, ensuring the safety and well-being of our community.

4. Monitor Large Community Events: Enhance security and situational awareness during large gatherings, ensuring a safe environment for all attendees.

5. Assist in Public Safety Operations: Offer airborne support in various public safety situations, providing valuable insights and aiding in the coordination of emergency responses.

Drone Operators:

To participate in operational drone deployments, Seward Police Department drone operators must hold a current Part 107 certification, demonstrate proficiency in the NIST UAS flight standard, and complete annual continued training.  

FAA Waivers:

Seward Police Department has been issued a Certificate of Waiver and Authorizion (COWA) #91.113-2025-00029. Our COWA provides broader operational flexibility than Part 107 rules, enabling missions such as night flights, emergency response, or operations beyond visual line of sight under defined safety conditions.

Drone Flight History Maps:

We have launched a public-facing webpage that provides detailed information about every public drone flight conducted by our department. This initiative enhances transparency and keeps our community informed about our drone operations. Visitors to the webpage can access data on flight dates, purposes, locations, and flight routes. Our goal is to ensure the public has easy access to accurate and timely information, fostering trust and accountability in our drone program.

Guidelines:

• Alaska law governing use of drones by law enforcement AK Stat § 18.65.900-909.
• FAA rules and regulations governing drone use 14 CFR Part 107. 
• Seward Police Policy 500-20 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).
• Seward Police Department stores evidentiary data captured by a UAS pursuant to AK Stat § 18.65.903 at Evidence.com powered by AXON.

Provide Feedback:

Let us know what you would like to see from our drone program or provide us with any suggestions, concerns, or complaints.