Public Safety and Law Enforcement Drone Pilot Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of advanced technology, the focus on public safety and law enforcement drone pilots is increasingly prominent.

As technology progresses, the demand for highly skilled professionals who can navigate, manage, and secure our public safety and law enforcement drones grows exponentially.

Let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a public safety and law enforcement drone pilot?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of drone operations in public safety and law enforcement,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we introduce a customizable public safety and law enforcement drone pilot job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Public Safety and Law Enforcement Drone Pilot Duties and Responsibilities

Public Safety and Law Enforcement Drone Pilots operate unmanned aircraft systems to aid in law enforcement and public safety operations.

They must be able to navigate complex systems and scenarios, with daily duties and responsibilities including:

• Pilot drones to conduct surveillance and reconnaissance in various operational areas
• Collect and analyze aerial data for use in criminal investigations and public safety operations
• Maintain regular communication with law enforcement teams during operations to provide real-time information
• Perform regular checks and maintenance on drones to ensure their optimal operation
• Adhere to all FAA regulations regarding drone operation and maintain up-to-date knowledge on changes in these regulations
• Assist in the development of operational plans involving drone usage
• Train other law enforcement personnel on the operation and utilization of drones
• Document all drone flights, including mission objectives, flight paths, and any gathered data
• Collaborate with various law enforcement and public safety teams to facilitate coordination during emergencies or investigations

 

Public Safety and Law Enforcement Drone Pilot Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled and dedicated Public Safety and Law Enforcement Drone Pilot to join our team.

This individual will operate unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to assist in a variety of public safety operations including search and rescue missions, crime scene analysis, surveillance, and emergency response.

The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of drone technology, flight safety protocols, and a keen awareness of the legal and privacy considerations in the field of public safety.

 

Responsibilities

• Operate UAVs in accordance with FAA regulations and departmental policies
• Collaborate with law enforcement and public safety officials to determine the best use of drone technology in various situations
• Conduct routine maintenance and inspections of drone equipment
• Collect, analyze, and report data gathered during drone flights
• Assist in developing departmental policies and procedures for drone usage
• Train other department members in drone operation and safety
• Stay updated on advancements in drone technology and relevant legislation

 

Qualifications

• FAA-certified Remote Pilot in Command (Part 107 certificate)
• Experience operating a variety of drones in different conditions
• Knowledge of drone technology, maintenance, and safety protocols
• Ability to interpret and analyze aerial data
• Experience in a public safety or law enforcement role is preferred
• High school diploma or equivalent; associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a related field is a plus

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Training and development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Public Safety and Law Enforcement Drone Pilot
• Work Environment: This role involves both office work and field operations. Travel may be required for emergency response situations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Public Safety Director or Law Enforcement Supervisor.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $52,000 minimum to $75,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a copy of your FAA certification, and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Public Safety and Law Enforcement Drone Pilot Do?

Public Safety and Law Enforcement Drone Pilots are specialized professionals who operate unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones, for various tasks related to public safety and law enforcement.

These drone pilots work closely with law enforcement agencies, emergency services, and other public safety organizations.

They use their skills to aid in a variety of situations such as crime scene investigation, search and rescue operations, monitoring crowd behavior during public gatherings, surveillance, and traffic control.

Their role involves piloting drones equipped with cameras and other sensors, allowing them to gather visual data from perspectives that might not be accessible or safe for human personnel.

They are also responsible for analyzing this data and relaying pertinent information to relevant stakeholders.

They are often required to operate drones in challenging conditions and must adhere to flight regulations set by aviation authorities.

Their job also involves maintenance and routine checks of the drones to ensure their optimal performance.

Furthermore, they are tasked with staying updated on the latest drone technology and related software to improve efficiency and effectiveness in their roles.

Training other staff members in the use of this technology might also be part of their duties.

Overall, their primary responsibility is to use drone technology to assist in keeping the public safe and aiding law enforcement in their duties.

 

Public Safety and Law Enforcement Drone Pilot Qualifications and Skills

To be an effective Public Safety and Law Enforcement Drone Pilot, a candidate should possess a range of technical, practical and soft skills, such as:

• Proficiency in operating and maintaining various types of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), particularly those used for public safety and law enforcement applications.
• Understanding of regulations and guidelines for drone usage, including Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules and regulations, to ensure safe and lawful operation.
• Exceptional situational awareness and ability to make critical decisions swiftly in high-pressure environments.
• Technical skills to troubleshoot and resolve drone-related issues on-site, ensuring minimal downtime and continuous operation.
• Strong communication skills to effectively convey information to colleagues, superiors, and other relevant parties, particularly in emergency situations.
• Ability to operate drones for specific tasks, such as surveillance, evidence collection, search and rescue missions, and disaster response.
• Physical fitness and coordination to manually control drones when necessary and cope with possible harsh outdoor working conditions.
• Experience in working with mapping software and other related technologies to analyze and interpret drone-captured data.

 

Public Safety and Law Enforcement Drone Pilot Experience Requirements

Entry-level candidates for a Public Safety and Law Enforcement Drone Pilot position are typically required to have at least one year of experience, often obtained through hands-on training or an internship with a law enforcement agency or public safety organization.

This role may also require previous experience in a relevant field such as aviation, law enforcement, or emergency response.

Candidates with more than 2 years of experience are often considered skilled drone pilots, having developed a comprehensive understanding of drone operations, including navigation, maintenance, and emergency procedures.

They are also expected to be proficient in using software applications related to drone operations and data analysis.

Those with more than 5 years of experience in this role may have additional responsibilities such as training new drone pilots, coordinating drone operations, and implementing safety protocols.

They may also be involved in policy development related to drone use within their organization.

In addition to these experience requirements, all Public Safety and Law Enforcement Drone Pilots are required to be FAA-certified and must continually update their knowledge and skills to stay abreast of the latest technological advancements in the field.

 

Public Safety and Law Enforcement Drone Pilot Education and Training Requirements

To become a Public Safety and Law Enforcement Drone Pilot, one typically needs to have a high school diploma or equivalent.

In terms of formal education, an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree in aviation, criminal justice, or a related field can be beneficial.

Some roles might require a degree in a specific area like forensic science or emergency management.

Regardless of their level of formal education, all drone pilots must have a Remote Pilot Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

To obtain this certificate, individuals must be at least 16 years old, be able to read, speak, write, and understand English, and pass an aeronautical knowledge test at an FAA-approved knowledge testing center.

Specific to law enforcement, drone pilots may need additional training in areas such as surveillance techniques, crime scene photography, and data collection.

They may also need to learn how to operate specific types of drones or drone-mounted equipment, such as infrared cameras or lasers.

Because drone technology is rapidly evolving, continuing education is crucial for drone pilots.

They should stay informed about advancements in drone technology, changes to laws and regulations, and emerging trends in the field.

Many drone pilots also pursue additional certifications, which can demonstrate their expertise in specific areas and make them more competitive in the job market.

These might include certifications in thermal imaging, search and rescue, or disaster response.

Furthermore, it’s essential for a drone pilot in public safety and law enforcement to have strong communication skills, critical thinking abilities, and familiarity with emergency response protocols.

 

Public Safety and Law Enforcement Drone Pilot Salary Expectations

A Public Safety and Law Enforcement Drone Pilot earns an average salary of $72,500 (USD) per year.

The salary can vary based on the level of certification, years of experience, and the location where they are employed.

 

Public Safety and Law Enforcement Drone Pilot Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Public Safety and Law Enforcement Drone Pilot need?

A Drone Pilot in Public Safety and Law Enforcement needs a blend of technical and soft skills.

The technical skills include understanding FAA regulations, possessing a Remote Pilot Certificate, drone operation skills, and proficiency in using drone software.

Soft skills include attention to detail, decision-making abilities, and good communication skills to effectively interact with other team members or the public during operations.

 

Do Public Safety and Law Enforcement Drone Pilots need a specific degree?

While a specific degree is not required, having a degree in criminal justice, law enforcement, or a related field can be beneficial.

However, a drone pilot must pass the FAA’s Part 107 test to get a Remote Pilot Certificate which is necessary to operate drones for any commercial or public purpose, including law enforcement.

 

What should you look for in a Public Safety and Law Enforcement Drone Pilot resume?

On a resume, look for a valid Remote Pilot Certificate, experience in drone operations, and knowledge of FAA regulations.

Also, any experience in public safety or law enforcement is a plus.

It’s also beneficial if they have experience or training in using drones for tasks specific to law enforcement, like search and rescue, surveillance, or crime scene investigation.

 

What qualities make a good Public Safety and Law Enforcement Drone Pilot?

A good Public Safety and Law Enforcement Drone Pilot has a keen eye for detail, as they may need to identify people, objects, or situations from a distance.

They should be able to make quick decisions under pressure, and they must have a strong sense of responsibility, as their work can impact public safety.

They should be able to effectively communicate and collaborate with law enforcement personnel or other relevant authorities.

 

What kind of training does a Public Safety and Law Enforcement Drone Pilot need?

Besides the necessary training to pass the FAA’s Part 107 test and obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate, a Public Safety and Law Enforcement Drone Pilot may need additional training specific to their role.

This can include training in the use of drones for surveillance, search and rescue, disaster response, or crime scene investigation.

Knowledge in using drone software for mapping and analysis can also be beneficial.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve given you an inside look into the intriguing world of a public safety and law enforcement drone pilot.

And guess what?

It’s not just about flying drones.

It’s about safeguarding communities and maintaining law and order, one flight at a time.

With our dependable public safety and law enforcement drone pilot job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to make a move.

But why stop there?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating precision-crafted job listings or perfecting your resume.

Remember:

Every flight contributes to the bigger picture of public safety.

Let’s secure that future. Together.

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