PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – On July 20, 2023, the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Support Services Unit (SSU) finished training nine new Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) pilots.
The three day training included exposing pilots to different models of drones, proficiency testing in a precision operation of the UAS using a NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) designed course, night-time UAS operations, and flying numerous scenario based training missions. Prior to the three day hands-on training, all new pilots had to successfully pass the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Examination administered at an FAA testing center.
The CCSO UAS program began in February of 2019 with seven pilots and seven aircraft. To date the CCSO UAS unit has completed nearly 2000 flights totaling 420 hours in the air. The CCSO UAS Unit conducts various missions including Search and Rescue, Crash and Crime Scene Mapping, Patrol and Tactical Operations Support, Fire Ground Operations Support, Demonstrations to various groups, as well as Training.
Currently, the CCSO UAS Unit is comprised of 16 pilots, with eight pilots assigned to Patrol Bureau.
Is the CCSO still using the Chinese DJI spy drones they were gifted back in 2020? Feel like we need to know when those are/were taken out of service.
Every scrap of data those drones collects goes to DJI, who are partly owned by the CCP…the US Government has banned the use of their products internally, so it’s telling that China is “giving” them to law enforcement…who are selling out the very citizens they claim to project by using such devices.
The only way to get that information is through an official FOIA request. At the Maryland state level they are not banned and most of the State-level organizations that are utilizing DJI drones have not been given any funding to purchase new ones. While I can see the danger at the Federal Agency levels, I struggle to see the danger of the CCP knowing that Billy got stuck on the water tower again, locally.
I see your point about Billy Bob getting stuck on the water tower again, but what about a Nuclear Power Plant and a Liquid Natural Gas Plant that would be of great interest to DJI, especially being so close to a Military Air Station? Also, do not forget the local ranch Club pilots with their own airfields getting in the mix of air traffic. FOIA is a good starting point. Thanx
The communist won WW2 , move on ..
Where’s your proof? Just another Liberal talking out their @ss trying to scare everyone
Why do we need 9 or more drone pilots? What altitude are they limited to? I am not worried too much about VFR aircraft in the area as much as IFR. Do not forget the ultralights as well.
Not everyone works at the same time. With this many pilots, you can almost expect to always have one available.
Okay
Like Calvert county needs more policing. Has to be the # 3 employer in Calvert county.