Mason Police currently operates small Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) or “drones” for use in law enforcement and public safety incidents. For openness and transparency, Mason Police is posting this list of UAS flights which includes the date, location, flight duration, and purpose for each operational flight.
About UAS
UAS is a small uncrewed aircraft that is capable of sustaining directed flight, whether preprogrammed or remotely controlled and all of the supporting or attached systems designed for gathering information through imaging, recording or any other means.
Policy
It is the policy of Mason Police to maintain the UAS Team, either internally or through participation in a multiagency team and to provide the equipment, manpower and training necessary to maintain the team. UAS may be utilized to enhance the department’s mission of protecting lives and property when other means and resources are not available or are less effective. Any use of UAS will be in strict accordance with Virginia law, constitutional and privacy rights, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations. All flights, whether operational or training, shall comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. All flights will be conducted following all applicable FAA regulations pertaining to the operations and certification of small Unmanned Aircraft Systems including but not limited to Title 14 CFR and Part 107. All members must exercise operational safety practices at all times.
Questions or Concerns
Questions regarding Mason Police UAS may be directed to Deputy Chief Michael Lighthiser at mlighthi@gmu.edu.
Concerns or complaints regarding Mason Police UAS can be filed through Mason Police’s Complaint Form.
UAS Flight Log
NOTE: Training flights are not included in this list.
| DATE | LOCATION | DURATION | PURPOSE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4/29/2023 | 9000 Block Main Street, City of Fairfax | 1 Hour, 45 Minutes | Mutual Aid / Bank Robbery |
| 3/29/2023 – 3/30/2023 | 7400 block Richmond Hwy | 13 Hours, 56 Minutes | Mutual Aid / Barricade |
| 3/30/2023 | 3900 block University Drive | 23 Minutes | Mutual Aid / Suicidal Subject |
| 3/25/2023 | 1000 block Viera Lane | 2 Hours, 45 Minutes | Mutual Aid / Shooting |
| 3/24/2023 | 1400 block Lee Highway | 2 Hours, 27 Minutes | Mutual Aid / High Risk Court Order Service |
| 2/18/2023 | 10000 block Holston Creek | 5 Hours, 43 Minutes | Traffic Management |
| 1/27/2023 | 6000 block Glenbard Road | 2 Hours, 38 Minutes | Mutual Aid / High Risk Court Order Service |
