The Boynton Beach Police Department’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Program is a modern, innovative tool designed to enhance public safety, increase situational awareness, and support officers during critical operations. By providing an aerial perspective in moments when every second counts, the Drone Program acts as a vital force multiplier, allowing the department to respond more effectively and safely to emergencies throughout the city.
A Mission of Safety, Awareness, and Modern Policing
The primary purpose of the Drone Program is to support life-safety missions and improve operational efficiency. Drones are used to:
- Quickly locating a missing child or elderly resident with dementia, using thermal imaging and aerial search patterns that cover large areas in minutes.
- Providing overwatch during a SWAT warrant service, giving commanders an immediate view of rooftops, yards, and surrounding terrain to enhance officer safety.
- Supporting firefighters by identifying hotspots during a structure fire, helping guide firefighting efforts more efficiently.
- Documenting major crash scenes with aerial photos and video, significantly reducing the time a roadway must remain closed.
- Monitoring large public events, such as festivals or holiday celebrations, to help keep crowds safe and identify developing hazards like medical emergencies or bottlenecking exits.
- Assisting K-9 officers by providing an aerial view of wooded or hidden areas during a search, improving tracking and helping quickly relay valuable information to the handler.
These examples demonstrate how drones help officers work smarter, safer, and faster—while reducing risk to the community.
Program Oversight and Accountability
The Drone Program is managed by a UAS Program Coordinator, appointed by the Chief of Police. The Coordinator ensures that all operations follow current laws, privacy protections, best practices, and FAA regulations. Key responsibilities include:
- Overseeing operator training and certification
- Maintaining deployment protocols for routine and urgent missions
- Managing inspections, maintenance, and flight-readiness of all equipment
- Ensuring proper storage, retention, and documentation of all flight data
The program operates strictly within the guidelines of Florida Statute 934.50, FAA Part 107 regulations, and all department policies. Drones are not used for general surveillance or patrolling areas where individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy.
Highly Trained and Certified Officers
Only authorized and trained personnel may operate department drones. Each operator must:
- Pass the FAA Part 107 test
- Complete hands-on flight training
- Demonstrate proficiency through a UAS skills and knowledge assessment
- Maintain ongoing competency and required certifications
- Follow all FAA, state, and departmental rules during flight
Drones are always operated by a Pilot-in-Command (PIC) with support from a Visual Observer (VO), who helps maintain line-of-sight and monitors airspace for safety.
All official flights are documented, recorded when required, and uploaded to the department’s digital evidence system following the same retention standards used for body-worn camera footage.
Privacy and Community Trust
Maintaining public trust is at the heart of the Drone Program. Operators are trained to respect privacy, and drones are never used to view or record private areas (such as backyards or enclosed spaces) without a warrant or valid legal exemption. Every mission is documented, accountable, and reviewed to ensure full compliance with law and policy.
A Modern Tool for Safer Policing
The Boynton Beach Police Department’s Drone Program brings advanced technology to the forefront of public safety. By improving response times, enhancing visibility, and expanding officers’ capabilities during emergencies, the UAS Program helps protect residents, strengthens community trust, and supports safer outcomes for all.
