Frequently Asked Questions

All Arovue UAS pilots are subject to FAA regulations related to airspace use, and all must have a valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot License. UAS pilots are also subject to the individual departments policies regarding UAV use. 

All video and photo evidence taken during any UAS mission is stored in  the same manner and location as body worn camera (BWC) video and other  investigative evidence. Arovue utilizes a third-party cloud service,  Evidence.com, to store all digital evidence. The service is authorized  and certified under both state and federal regulations for the security  and protection of confidential information and is available only for  official law enforcement purposes. Evidence is stored and saved for a  limited time (90 days), unless it is categorized as evidence in an  actual crime or formal investigation. Then it is stored for a period of  time consistent with all other evidence related to that  incident/investigation.

Video and photos collected by UAS are stored for the purposes of conducting police investigations and subsequent prosecutions.  Accordingly, videos and photos are generally accessible to police investigators for official use only. Like all police records, video and  photos may also be subject to additional release under the same rules  and restrictions as BWC video and other evidence. Generally, UAS photos  and video that are considered part of an active criminal investigation  and are exempt from disclosure from Public Records laws.

The intent of the DFR Program is to enhance response to emergency calls for service. As such, drones are used during an active response to an emergency or other call for police assistance. Department policies typically prohibit drone operators from intentionally recording or transmitting images of any location where a person would have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as inside private buildings,  except where authorized by a warrant issued by a judge or in emergency situations.

No. Our data is encrypted and is stored on US-based servers that meet  federal requirements for confidential law enforcement databases.

In addition to the training and study required to maintain an FAA part 107 Remote Pilot License,  all Arovue UAS Team members train regularly in a variety of locations  and settings to ensure operational efficiency. All training is documented, and the records are maintained by Arovue and are subject to review by the FAA.

Helicopters and other manned aircraft are very expensive to operate.  Currently, smaller departments utilize larger departments for air support. UAS can be used in a variety of ways that augment mutual aid air support requests in a cost-effective and efficient manner, like the DFR aerial intelligence-led emergency response and aiding in felony stops or police chases among other uses. 

Drone as First Responder Operations is an innovative and transformative use of UAS. The concept is to utilize drones to fly to any reported emergency and arrive prior to first responders on the ground. The video  feed from the UAS is viewed at the police department by a trained first responder (teleoperator, or TO). The TO is able to operate the UAS remotely and communicate with field personnel via radio immediately. The  TO is able to evaluate and assess the scene and circumstances before  those in the field arrive and provide necessary tactical information that help them stay safe and increase efficiency. The video feed is also  immediately available to every officer in the field via a smart phone  application, so officers and fire personnel can see firsthand what they are responding to. The ability to evaluate the resources needed, prepare  the proper operational response, and increase the safety of the first  responders and the public is the intent of the project and the mission of AroVue.

Anyone may email the UAS Team directly at Drones@arovue.com In addition, anyone may make a service complaint to Arovue in-person, via phone (855) 427-6883. 

For more FAQs related to UAS, please visit the Federal Aviation Administration’s FAQ page