Summary
The aim of this Guidebook is to present the facts to consider prior to establishing an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Unit within emergency responder operations. This Guidebook was produced through a collaborative effort between Canadian and American law enforcement agencies currently using UAS. While every effort was made to cover as many key areas as possible, this reference should not be considered authoritative or comprehensive. Instead it is intended to provoke thought and discussion on the many important issues that need to be addressed including legal, regulatory, jurisdictional and environmental. The responder organizations currently using UAS are reporting increased responder safety, enhanced photographic evidence of crime scenes, faster evidence collection, an improved efficiency in clearing serious traffic collision scenes and significant cost savings as compared to manned aircraft use. Many more uses will be commonplace in the coming years including Tactical Support, Search and Rescue and Incident Command at Major Incidents.