Grand Forks Sheriff’s Department launching UAS program
By: Chris Bieri, Grand Forks Herald
Deputies expect FAA clearance to use two aircraft in May
The Grand Forks Sheriff’s Department is about to start investigating in rarified air. The department will be one of just seven law enforcement offices nationwide developing an unmanned aircraft systems program, according to special deputy Al Frazier.
The department will be one of just seven law enforcement offices nationwide developing an unmanned aircraft systems program, according to special deputy Al Frazier.
For more than a year, in conjunction with the UND Aerospace UAS program, the sheriff’s department has had the system in the works. In May, once given full clearance by the Federal Aviation Association, that system is expected to be fully functioning.
The department will initially have two airframes — a Draganflyer helicopter and a Raven B plane — at its disposal on sub-lease from UND for $1 a year, according to Sheriff Bob Rost.
