Drone Program

In 2024, the Lake Forest Park Police Department reached out to the North Sound Police Foundation for assistance in launching a drone program.  The department didn’t have the funds in its budget, so the North Sound Police Foundation helped fund the purchase of the equipment and software.  In total, the foundation purchased three drones for deployment, two training drones, accessories, and the operating system, for a total of over $30,000.  All drones were made and manufactured by DJI.  The drones have been named Mavrick, Goose, Crash, McFly, and Jeff. 

Lake Forest Park Police Department Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Program (DRONE)

Program Overview

DRONE

The Lake Forest Park Police Department Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Program is established to enhance public safety, officer safety, and operational effectiveness through the responsible use of small unmanned aerial systems (commonly referred to as drones). This program was made possible through a donation from the North Sound Police Foundation and is operated by the Lake Forest Park Police Department in strict compliance with federal, state, and local laws, as well as department policy.

The UAS Program is designed to support—not replace—traditional policing methods by providing real-time aerial awareness during specific, authorized missions.

Purpose and Objectives

The objectives of the UAS Program are to:

  • Enhance officer and public safety during critical incidents
  • Improve situational awareness for incident commanders
  • Assist in locating missing persons and vulnerable individuals
  • Support search and rescue and disaster response operations
  • Document crime scenes and traffic collisions when appropriate
  • Increase operational efficiency while reducing risk to personnel

Authorized Uses

Department drones may be deployed only for legitimate law enforcement or public safety purposes, including but not limited to:

DRONE
  • Search and rescue operations
  • Missing or endangered person searches
  • Active or barricaded suspect incidents
  • Crime scene documentation and mapping
  • Traffic collision reconstruction
  • Disaster response, fire, flood, or hazardous material incidents
  • Special event public safety planning and monitoring (when authorized)

Drones shall not be used for generalized surveillance, routine patrol, or monitoring of lawful First Amendment–protected activities.

Prohibited Uses

The following uses are strictly prohibited:

  • Random or continuous surveillance of individuals or groups
  • Use of facial recognition or biometric identification technologies
  • Weaponization of drones
  • Collection of data for purposes unrelated to an authorized mission
  • Any use intended to intimidate, harass, or unlawfully target individuals or communities

Legal and Regulatory Compliance

All UAS operations shall comply with:

  • Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, including Part 107
  • Applicable state and local laws
  • Department policies and procedures

Only FAA-certified remote pilots authorized by the Department may operate drones.

Privacy and Civil Liberties

The Department is committed to protecting individual privacy and civil liberties.

  • Drones will only be deployed when there is a defined public safety purpose
  • Operations will be conducted in a manner that minimizes the collection of non-relevant data
  • Flights over private property will comply with legal standards
  • No audio recording will be conducted unless specifically authorized by law

Data Management and Retention

  • All recorded data shall be securely stored on Department-approved systems
  • Data unrelated to criminal activity or evidentiary value will be deleted in accordance with records retention schedules
  • Access to UAS data is restricted to authorized personnel
  • Release of data will follow public records laws and Department policy

Training and Certification

UAS operators must:

  • Hold a current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
  • Complete Department-approved UAS training
  • Participate in ongoing proficiency and safety training
  • Demonstrate knowledge of privacy, legal, and operational standards

Foundation Support and Ownership

The North Sound Police Foundation provided funding and equipment to establish this program. All donated equipment becomes the property of the Lake Forest Park Police Department and is governed solely by Department policy and applicable law. The Foundation has no role in operational decision-making.

Program Evaluation

The Department will periodically evaluate the UAS Program to ensure it continues to meet public safety goals, complies with legal standards, and reflects community expectations.