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The Weekly Snapshot
Your source for the latest tips, information, and current campus safety resources from the NCCPS.
Access the Know Before You Fly website above.
Drones: Campus Policies and Educational Materials
 
Many colleges and universities are experiencing an increase in the recreational use of drones, or Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), on campus. UAS operations must comply with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and applicable federal, state and local laws. In order to be better prepared, and to avoid potential legal ramifications, it is important for administrators to work with their campus communities to develop and implement policy that ensures safe and legal use of UAS that is in line with the institution's culture and standards. Following are a few examples of campus policies on recreational drone use: 
The FAA reports that incidents involving unauthorized and unsafe use of small, remote-controlled aircraft have risen dramatically. Approximately 45 states considered restrictions on UAS in 2015 to address unauthorized use. The FAA released a fact sheet last month that provides information for states and municipalities considering laws or regulations addressing UAS use. The fact sheet provides examples of state and local laws for which consultation with the FAA is recommended and examples of state and local laws within state and local government police power. This information may be helpful to campus officials in working with local officials to create consistent policy and/or ordinances. 
 
In response to the increasing number of cases of unauthorized use of UAS, the FAA created the Law Enforcement Guidance for Suspected Unauthorized UAS Operations (PDF) to support the partnership between the FAA and law enforcement agencies in addressing these activities. Law enforcement officers are encouraged to review this document and the regulations and policies for UAS to understand the scope of their authority and be better prepared to deter, detect, and investigate unauthorized and/or unsafe UAS operations. 
 
The FAA defines a temporary flight restriction (TFR) as "a regulatory action that temporarily restricts certain aircraft from operating within a defined area [defined both laterally and vertically] in order to protect persons or property in the air or on the ground." Information on TFRs, including a link to view the list of active TFRs, is available on the FAA website . Any sworn law enforcement officer may request a TRF for an emergency or if a college or university has received intelligence on a  credible threat, by contacting the FAA System Operations Support Center at 202-267-8276. Requests must come directly from a law enforcement officer and a determination will be made on whether or not the TFR will be issued.
 
Educating campus community members on applicable UAS laws and ordinances, as well as on institutional policy relating to UAS operation on campus, is important. The following educational r esources are available:
  • B4UFLY Smartphone App - Released on January 6th, this FAA app helps recreational unmanned aircraft operators determine whether there are any restrictions or requirements in effect at the location where they want to fly.
  • Flying Safely (PDF) - A checklist of where to and where not to operate a drone.
  • Know Before You Fly Brochure (PDF) - Includes information and guidance for public entities, including public colleges and universities, and those using drones commercially and recreationally. 
  • Know Before You Fly Multimedia - A drone safe quiz, videos and downloads.
  • Model Aircraft Do's and Don'ts (PDF) - FAA infographic outlining important safety guidelines for recreational flying.
For additional information and resources on this topic you may visit the FAA UAS website and view these previous Weekly Snapshot articles: Drones and Drones: Information and Resources for Campus Law Enforcement .
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Join Us for Our First 2016 Webinar!
 
There's still time to register to learn the essential elements for expanding your emergency response plans to include international incidents. On Tuesday, January 19, 2016 at 2 PM ET we start out the new year by welcoming Pascal Schuback, the former Global Emergency Manager at the University of Washington and Director of Humanitarian Toolbox, to discuss international study abroad safety in  Adding International Incidents to Your Campus All-Hazards Emergency Response Plans .
 
Webinars in our  Campus Public Safety Online series are free, but space is limited and registration is required.  The deadline to register is Friday, January 15 . We encourage registrants to sign up groups if more than one person would like to attend, as these webinars are ideal for multiple participants from one institution or organization. Please visit our webinar webpage for more information.  
Click to access our online calendar of events.
Professional Development Opportunities

Title:   Police Departments' Use of the Lethality Assessment Program
Hosted by:  Battered Women's Justice Project (BWJP)
Date: January 19, 2016 at 1:00pm CT (Register by Jan. 18)
Location: Online      
Fee: Free
 
Title:  ASCA 2016 Growing the Profession
Hosted by:  Association for Student Conduct Administration (ASCA)
Dates: February 3-6, 2016
Location:  St. Pete Beach, FL
Fee: Registration fee
 
Title:  Enhanced Sports and Special Events Incident Management (MGT-440)
Hosted by:  Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX)
Dates: February 16-18, 2016
Location: Des Moines, IA
Fee: Free
This project was supported by Grant No. 2013-MU-BX-K011 awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and the Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking. Points of view or opinions in this document are those of author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the US Department of Justice.
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