Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) for Public Safety

In early 2017, Fremont Fire began utilizing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for operational purposes. In May of 2017, the Fremont Police Department officially partnered with Fremont Fire to launch a more robust program for the City.

On May 17, 2017, a community meeting was held to share information about the City of Fremont's Public Safety Unmanned Aerial System program. Topics at the meeting included intended use of the UAV's for Police and Fire, FAA flying requirements, case studies, specific capabilities and specs of UAVs and Department policies. A copy of the presentation is available online, as well as our policy.

In late 2022, Fremont Police and Fremont Fire jointly developed a Drone as First Responders (DFR) program.

Private Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems

FAA makes new major drone ID marking change effective February 23, 2019. 

The FAA retains the responsibility for enforcing Federal Aviation Regulations, including those applicable to the use of UAS.

Regardless of the size and/or type of UAS, owners must fly safely and responsibility. To help educate UAS owners, the FAA has a comprehensive website.

The information on the FAA’s site identifies (4) major groups of UAS “flyers.”  The categories include:

1. Recreational Flyers and Modeler Community-Based Organizations
2. Certificated Remote Pilots including Commercial Operators
3. Public Safety & Government Users
4. Educational Users

Please take the time to familiarize yourself with the rules and responsibilities of flying a UAS before you put one in the air.

Be a Responsible Pilot

The FAA retains the responsibility for enforcing Federal Aviation Regulations, including those applicable to the use of UAS.

An unmanned aircraft that is 1) capable of sustained flight in the atmosphere, 2) flown within visual line of sight of the person operating the aircraft, and 3) flown for hobby or recreational purposes. Must be operated within ALL of the following parameters:

1. Strictly for hobby or recreational use
2. Must give way to manned aircraft
3. Less than 55 pounds
4. Operated in accordance with community based set of safety guidelines
5. If within 5 miles of airport, must notify airport operator and control tower
6. Registration and Markings

A Certificate of Aircraft Registration must be carried by the operator of the UAS and made available to law enforcement and/or the FAA upon request. If you are asked to show your certificate of registration, you can show it electronically, you do not need to print the certificate.

Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents.
They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below.

Acrobat Reader Windows Media Player Word Viewer Excel Viewer PowerPoint Viewer