Drone Unit

The Rushville Police Department Drone Unit (sUAS) began over a decade ago when small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) first began to appear in the public safety sector. Our law enforcement program has grown and evolved as the technology and legal requirements have changed.

The City of Rushville operates several drones for various purposes within the scope of public safety as well as code enforcement and structural inspections. Several of the drones in use utilize FLIR cameras to capture and relay thermal images and video.

UAS pilots for the Rushville Police Department are certified and licensed through FAA Part 107 under the Federal Aviation Administration. The Rushville Police Department is also a member of the Law Enforcement Drone Association (LEDA).

All deployments/requests for use of the department drone (sUAS) must be made through the Office of the Chief or his designee. The Rushville Police Department has adopted the use of drones (sUAS) to provide an aerial visual perspective in responding to emergency situations and exigent circumstances, and for a number of scenarios including but not limited to:

Search and Rescue efforts

Locating Fleeing Suspects

Large Event Security

Crime Scene/Crash Scene documentation

Requested Photography

Tactical Overview/Search Assistance

Mutual Aid for other Public Safety Agencies

Other Requested Emergency Responses as deemed appropriate