Eyes in the Sky May be Orland PD

Orland Park police have received federal approval to use a drone, the village said Wednesday in a release.

Six officers will be trained in using the drone, envisioned for use in finding missing persons or tracking a fugitive.

Police Chief Tim McCarthy called other agencies’ use of drones to provide an aerial view ”invaluable in search and rescue situations, tactical, emergency response, hazardous incidents and investigative cases.”

Orland’s is the first local police department in the State of Illinois to be granted a Federal Aviation Administration Certificate of Authorization (COA) for drone use. The FAA mandates that all public entities obtain a COA before flying any mission or operation. Orland began the application process in May.

“This is an important day for the Orland Park Police Department because they now can use a drone for law enforcement emergencies and to locate missing residents,” said Mayor Dan McLaughlin. “I know that a lot of research and work went into Orland Park getting this certification and we appreciate the time spent on this project.”

The department received a grant from the Region 7 Health Care Coalition to purchase a DGI Phantom III Professional drone. The Phantom III shoots 4K video at up to 30 frames per second, capturing 12 megapixel photos. This type of drone is the same the fire department used to battle a blaze in July. The fire department is also seeking FAA certification.

The FAA requires that officers complete the private pilot ground school and successfully pass the FAA private pilot written examination in order to fly the drone. The drones may not fly higher than 400 feet as operators monitor the flight patterns for Midway and O’Hare Airports.

“The Certificate of Authorization is a two-year license that is drone specific,” McCarthy said in the release. “Other agencies have used drones and being able to provide an aerial view has been invaluable in search and rescue situations, tactical, emergency response, hazardous incidents and investigative cases.”

Because of its size, many small unmanned aircraft systems can be transported in the trunk of a patrol car and quickly deployed at an incident. With a hazardous materials incident, the sUAS can quickly deliver an aerial view of the scene, providing enhanced situational awareness and allowing first responders to develop an effective response while documenting the scene for subsequent investigation.

Orland Park Police Lieutenant Joe Mitchell oversaw the department’s grant and authorization process.

“There are many instances in Orland Park where a drone will help police on the ground—if a child gets lost, if a fugitive takes off on foot or if a disabled resident wanders off,” said Mayor Dan McLaughlin. “The benefits are endless.”