N.D. Sheriff’s Department Approved for UAS Flights Over People

The Burleigh County Sheriff’s Department in North Dakota has received a four-year waiver from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to operate unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) over people.

The department claims to be the first law enforcement agency in the nation to receive a waiver to routinely conduct UAS operations over people using a drone. Specifically, it will use a DJI Mavic 2 UAS equipped with a ParaZero SafeAir parachute recovery system.

The FAA approved the operations as part of North Dakota’s participation in the federal UAS Integration Pilot Program. The North Dakota Department of Transportation also recently received the same waiver.

“ParaZero is thrilled to supply Burleigh County’s Sheriff Department with the ASTM-compliant SafeAir Systems that they need for their operations under this waiver,” comments Avi Lozowick, vice president of policy and strategy at ParaZero. “As the first law enforcement agency to secure a 107.39 waiver, their achievement paves the way for other agencies, as well.”

The department says the waiver will enhance public safety efforts not only in Burleigh County but also statewide. The agency currently has five drones.