DRONE RESPONSE 

PLAYBOOK FOR 

PUBLIC SAFETY 

September 2020
PUBLIC 

SAFETY 

DRONE 

PLAYBOOK

01 OVERVIEW

We are at an exciting time in aviation, where drones are 

being safely integrated into our national airspace for 

recreational, commercial, and public safety uses. 

However, unauthorized operations can cause potential 

hazards to people and property both in the air and on 

the ground. This Drone Response Playbook for public 

\OVERVIEW 01

safety is a resource for public safety officials who 

conduct investigations into drone operations. 

The Playbook can help determine the difference 

between authorized and unauthorized drone operations 

and what actions public safety agencies may take. 

We encourage you to research local rules and 

regulations and add them to this document (page 13) 

so that they are available when needed.
PUBLIC 

SAFETY 

DRONE 

PLAYBOOK

\TABLE OF CONTENTS

02 CONTENTS

\P01

OVERVIEW

\P02

CONTENTS

\P03

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

\P04

SECURITY

INSTRUCTIONS 

\P05

SECURITY

INSTRUCTIONS 

(CONT.)

\P06

SECURITY

INSTRUCTIONS 

(CONT.)

\P07

WHAT IS MY 

AUTHORITY?

\P08

WHO YOU GONNA 

CALL?

\P09

REMOTE PILOT 

CERTIFICATE

\P10

REGISTRATION SAMPLE

\P11

COA SAMPLE

\P12

WEB RESOURCES

\P13

INVESTIGATIVE NOTES 

\P14

INVESTIGATIVE NOTES 

\P15

INVESTIGATIVE NOTES 

\P17

WILDFIRE UAS 

RESOURCES

02
PUBLIC 

SAFETY 

DRONE 

PLAYBOOK

\QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE 03

03 A QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE TO 

PROHIBITED DRONE OPERATIONS 

UNDER PART 107 (SMALL UAS RULE)

Drone flights within 3.45 miles of a 

qualifying event at a stadium or 

sporting venue without an FAA 

authorization. 

Flights over people without an FAA 

waiver. 

Night operations without an FAA 

waiver. 

Failure to give right-of-way to manned 

aircraft without an FAA waiver. 

Operations beyond visual line of sight 

without an FAA waiver. 

• Operation while under the 

influence of alcohol and/or drugs. 

• Hazardous and/or 

unsafe operations. 

• The carriage of illegal narcotics.

• The carriage of hazardous 

materials.

• Operation of a drone that is 

equipped or armed with a 

dangerous weapon (section 363 

of the FAA Reauthorization Act 

of 2018).
PUBLIC 

SAFETY 

DRONE 

PLAYBOOK

\SECURITY INSTRUCTIONS 04

04 SECURITY INSTRUCTIONS

Law enforcement may apply their existing authorities to interview 

and/or detain pilots who conduct prohibited drone operations. 

TYPES OF DRONE OPERATIONS:

1. Recreational Flyers

The FAA issued interim safety guidance for recreational flyers that 

reinforces recent changes to how, when and where users can fly drones for 

recreational purposes.

Users must comply with the following eight conditions in order to fly under 

the exception for recreational flyers:

1) Fly strictly for recreational purposes.

2) Follow the safety guidelines of a community based organization.

3) Keep your drone within your visual line of sight, or within the visual 

line-of-sight of an observer who is co-located and in direct communication 

with you.

4) Operate in a manner that does not interfere with, and gives way to, any 

manned aircraft.

5) Do not fly in controlled airspace (such as the airspace around many 

airports) unless you have an airspace authorization.

6) Fly your drone at or below 400 feet when in uncontrolled or 

“Class G” airspace.

7) Pass an aeronautical knowledge and safety test, when available 

(the FAA is currently developing the test).

8) Register and externally mark your drone with the FAA-issued 

registration number, and carry proof of registration with you.

Note: As the FAA works to implement the provisions listed above, please refer to AC 91-57B (as amended or superceded) for current 

guidance on compliance. Recreational flyers are required to register drones that weigh more than 0.55 lbs. Part 107 operators must 

register all drones, regardless of weight.
PUBLIC 

SAFETY 

DRONE 

PLAYBOOK

\SECURITY INSTRUCTIONS 05

05 2. Part 107 Operation (also known as the small UAS rule) 

Part 107 operations will most likely comprise the majority of operations. 

This Playbook is a resource for law enforcement on Part 107 operations. 

See the quick reference guide on page 3.

3. Public Aircraft Operations

Public aircraft operations are conducted by recognized government 

entities as a function of government. Only those operations that meet 

specific requirements qualify as public aircraft operations. For further 

information see faa.gov/go/dronepublicsafety

4. Operating a Drone 55 lbs. or Larger

The operation of a drone that is 55 lbs. or heavier requires specific 

approval from the FAA prior to an operation, or the operation must 

comply with specific standards and limitations approved by the FAA 

and be flown at a fixed site. Questions about these operations can be 

directed to your regional Law Enforcement Assistance Program (LEAP) 

Special Agent or to the FAA Regional Center (contact information is 

provided on Page 8 of this document).
PUBLIC 

SAFETY 

DRONE 

PLAYBOOK

\SECURITY INSTRUCTIONS 06

06 Operations in the Vicinity of Certain Stadium Events

The FAA issues Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) to limit aircraft 

operations, including drones, at stadiums that host large sporting events. 

TFRs are in place starting one hour before the scheduled time of the event 

until one hour after the end of the event. 

Any person who knowingly or willfully violates the rules pertaining to 

operations in a TFR may be subject to significant civil and criminal 

penalties under 49 U.S.C. 46307. 

The TFR Point of Contact (POC) is listed on 

the TFR and, in coordination with the FAA, 

will have control over access to the airspace 

and should have a list of approved FAA 

waivers for operations within the TFR.

The TFR applies to all aircraft operations, including unmanned aircraft 

systems, unless the aircraft operator meets at least one of the following 

requirements:

A) The aircraft operation has been authorized by Air Traffic Control (ATC) 

for operational or safety purposes;

B) The aircraft operation is being conducted for operational, safety, or 

security purposes supporting the qualifying event, and is authorized by 

an airspace security waiver approved by the FAA;

C) The aircraft operation is enabling broadcast coverage for the 

broadcast rights holder for the qualifying event and is authorized by an 

airspace security waiver approved by the FAA;

D) The aircraft operation has been authorized by ATC for national security, 

homeland security, law enforcement or air ambulance purposes.
07 WHAT IS MY AUTHORITY?

PUBLIC 

SAFETY 

DRONE 

PLAYBOOK

\WHAT IS MY AUTHORITY? 07

FEDERAL LAWS that may might apply, include, but are not limited to:

If law enforcement comes in contact with a drone pilot/operator, they can:

Ask the pilot/operator to see proof of registration of the aircraft 

Ask to see the waiver for drone operations within the TFR

While law enforcement can ask, a UAS or drone pilot IS NOT required by 

federal regulation to make their UAS FAA Remote Pilot Certificate available. 

If law enforcement officials suspect a drone operator of violating any federal 

law, they should pass the information on to the FAA for investigation. 

Examples of regulatory violations include reckless operations, operating 

beyond visual line of sight without approval, operating a drone while under 

the influence of alcohol or drugs, operating over people without approval, 

flying at night without approval, failing to yield the right-of-way to manned 

aircraft without approval, and flying in restricted airspace (including TFRs).

Interfering with first responders during wildfire suppression, law 

enforcement, or emergency response efforts is a violation of federal law and 

carries a civil penalty of up to $20,000.

LOCAL REGULATIONS that may apply, include, but are not limited to:

Trespassing on property from which the drone is operated 

Disorderly and/or unsafe conduct

Interfering with public safety operations 

Privacy/harassment laws
PUBLIC 

SAFETY 

DRONE 

PLAYBOOK

\WHO YOU GONNA CALL? 08

08 WHO YOU GONNA CALL?

CONTACT YOUR FAA LAW ENFORCEMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM SPECIAL AGENT FOR ASSISTANCE

Special agents from the FAA’s Law Enforcement Assistance Program (LEAP) are your point of contact for federal, state, local, tribal, 

territorial, and international law enforcement agencies. LEAP special agents can provide information on drone enforcement and 

registration matters. Providing a LEAP special agent with reports of suspected unauthorized UAS incidents in a timely manner increases 

the FAA’s ability to take enforcement action when appropriate. (NOTE: You may contact any LEAP agent if your assigned agent is not 

available.) You can contact either a LEAP special agent (they are responsible for public safety coordination) or one of the FAA’s regional 

operation centers (they are responsible for aviation safety in the region). 

Identity of operators and witnesses (name, contact information)

Type of operation (recreational, commercial, public/governmental)

Type of device(s) and registration information (number/certificate)

DOCUMENT AND PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION TO FAA

Event location and incident details (date, time, place)

Other evidence (photos, video, device confiscation)

Your local LEAP Special Agent’s Name & Number: ________________________________________

* Note: You may contact any LEAP agent if your assigned agent is not available.

Regional Operations Centers (ROCs) are staffed 24/7 and should be contacted if you observe a drone that may potentially interfere with 

the safety or security of the National Airspace System. The ROC will ensure notification is made to manned air traffic in the vicinity as 

well as appropriate FAA offices.

FACILITY

Western ROC

Central ROC

East ROC

PHONE NUMBER

206-231-2089

817-222-5006

404-305-5180

404-305-5150

EMAIL

9-WAS-OPSCTR@FAA.GOV

9-CSA-ROC@FAA.GOV

9-ESA-ROC@FAA.GOV

9-ESA-ROC@FAA.GOV

STATES

AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY

AR, IA, IL, KS, LA, MI, MN, MO, ND, NE, NM, OH, OK,

SD, TX, WI 

AL, CT, FL, GA, KY, MA, ME, MS, NC, NH, PR, RI, SC, TN,

VI, VT

DC, DE, MD, NJ, NY, PA, VA, WV

CONTACT YOUR FAA LEAP AGENT OR AN FAA REGIONAL OPERATIONS CENTER FOR ASSISTANCE
PUBLIC 

SAFETY 

DRONE 

PLAYBOOK

\WAIVER SAMPLE 09

09 REMOTE PILOT CERTIFICATE SAMPLE

Law enforcement and public safety officials may ask pilots operating 

under Part 107 (typically aircraft weighing under 55 lbs and not 

operated as a recreational or public/government aircraft) for their FAA 

Remote Pilot Certificate. However, they are not currently required by 

federal regulation to make their certificate available.
PUBLIC 

SAFETY 

DRONE 

PLAYBOOK

\REGISTRATION SAMPLE 10

10 REGISTRATION SAMPLE

Law enforcement officials may ask drone operators for the aircraft’s 

registration documentation. Failure to provide the document for inspection 

is unlawful and the operation or proposed operation should cease. 

Generally, FAA registration numbers for drones start with “FA” and have 

eight additional numbers. For example: FA12345678. An aircraft over 55 

lbs may have a number that starts with the letter “N”.
PUBLIC 

SAFETY 

DRONE 

PLAYBOOK

\COA SAMPLE 11

11 COA SAMPLE

Law enforcement may ask to see a UAS operator’s FAA approved 

Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA). 

The COA must be specific to the type of operation and the event. The 

second standard provision of a Certificate of Waiver or Authorization is, 

“This certificate shall be presented for inspection upon the request of 

any authorized representative of the Federal Aviation Administration, 

or of any state or municipal official charged with the duty of enforcing 

local laws or regulations.”
PUBLIC 

SAFETY 

DRONE 

PLAYBOOK

\WEB RESOURCES 12

12 WEB RESOURCES

faa.gov/go/DronePublicSafety

www.faa.gov/uas/resources/policy_library/section_352_responses/
PUBLIC 

SAFETY 

DRONE 

PLAYBOOK

\INVESTIGATIVE NOTES AND / OR LOCAL STATUES 13

13 INVESTIGATIVE NOTES 

AND/OR LOCAL STATUES

If your county or state has developed regulations specific to the operation 

of drones, please list here:
PUBLIC 

SAFETY 

DRONE 

PLAYBOOK

\INVESTIGATIVE NOTES AND / OR LOCAL STATUES 14

Suggested questions you can ask a drone operator:

1. Ask to see License and Registration (you can document and/or 

 photograph the information).

 For the registration document, it should have a registration number that should 

 also be legibly marked on the exterior of the drone. 

 For the license, they should have either a paper temporary airman certificate 

 or a plastic remote pilot certificate from the FAA. (Note: While law enforcement 

 can ask, a UAS or drone pilot IS NOT required by federal regulation to make their 

 UAS FAA Remote Pilot Certificate available.) 

2. “What was the purpose of the flight?”

If the operator says the purpose was public aircraft operation or commercial/

business, (or any other nexus to commercial operations,) skip to question 3.

2A. If the operator says modeler/hobby/recreation, ask what they were doing 

specifically.

Answers should be along the lines of: practicing, just flying for fun, taking 

pictures/video, showing my friend how it works, etc...

3. “Who was the remote pilot in command?” 

If there is only one individual, the answer can be presumed and therefore 

skipped.

4. “What company do you work for or what is the name of your company?” 

The person may be operating in a freelance capacity, on a contract basis, or 

something similar. In most of these cases, the person who hired them is less 

likely to be the subject of an investigation, but they may provide evidence. 

4A. Ask if there is a copy of the contact/work order.

4B. Ask the name and contact information for the person who hired them.

4C. Ask if they have done other work, have a website, etc...
15

5. Visual line-of-sight (VLOS) of the aircraft and Visual Observers. 

5A. Make note of operators using first-person Point of View (POV) technologies, 

operating the UAS on the opposite side of buildings, or down other streets 

obstructed from view, etc. (something other than standing there looking at 

the UAS, essentially).

5B. If there are other individuals assisting (Visual Observers), ask how they 

assisted or how they were in communication with the operator.

6. Ask how high and where they flew the UAS. If law enforcement 

 observed the flight, include descriptors or estimation of the altitude, 

 when possible. Examples: aircraft was approximately level with the 

 10th floor of the building at 1400 Main Street; the aircraft flew over 

 the stadium as it returned to the operator, etc.

7. Make note of operations at night or of unlit drone operated after 

 sunset to before sunrise.

8. Document all operations conducted while the operator was under the 

 influence.

9. Document interference with law enforcement/emergency response 

 efforts. Provide impacts, when applicable.

10. If any of the following situations may have occurred, inquire/document: 

Operating from a moving vehicle (may be allowed in certain instances, but 

the FAA investigation can make that determination)

Operation of multiple unmanned aircraft by the same individual

Carriage of hazardous material

Operation over human beings (most likely, crowds of people; estimate/use 

descriptors to illustrate crowd density)

Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) violations

Object dropped from the drone

PUBLIC 

SAFETY 

DRONE 

PLAYBOOK

\INVESTIGATIVE NOTES AND / OR LOCAL STATUES 
16

11. Note any other characteristics of the operation that were not in the 

 interest of public safety. Examples include:

Operating low over the heads of non-participating persons 

(notably if individuals moved out of the way to avoid the drone)

Flying between vehicles or operating over a roadway in use 

Chasing people or pets

Attaching a firearm or weapon to the drone

Injuries to people or damage to property

PUBLIC 

SAFETY 

DRONE 

PLAYBOOK

\INVESTIGATIVE NOTES AND / OR LOCAL STATUES 
PUBLIC 17

SAFETY 

DRONE 

PLAYBOOK

\INVESTIGATIVE NOTES AND / OR LOCAL STATUES 

17 INTERFERING WITH WILDFIRE SUPPRESSION, LAW 

ENFORCEMENT OR EMERGENCY RESPONSE EFFORTS 

IS A VIOLATION OF FEDERAL LAW

Flying a drone near a wildfire is dangerous and can cost lives. When drones 

are flown near wildfires, fire response agencies often have to ground their 

aircraft due to the risk of a midair collision. This can delay the airborne 

response and pose a threat to firefighters on the ground and residents and 

property in nearby communities, as well as allow wildfires to spread. Sadly, 

these incidents occur on a regular basis. In recent years, there have been 

more than 100 documented cases of unauthorized drones flying near 

wildfires. 

Federal law (18 U.S.C. 40A.(a) prohibits drone flyers from knowingly or 

recklessly interfering with wildfire suppression or related law enforcement 

or emergency response efforts. Federal law (49 U.S.C. 46320) also 

prohibits interference with wildfire suppression, law enforcement, or 

emergency response effort. Individuals who violate these regulations are 

subject to up to two years of imprisonment and a civil penalty of not more 

than $20,000. 

What can you do?

Report non-authorized drone flights to the FAA with the information 

provided in this guide. 

Use your agency’s social media to warn your community about the impact of 

UAS or drone flights on public safety operations and amplify FAA messages on 

@FAADroneZone. 

Work with your local media outlets (TV, Radio, Newspapers) to promote this 

safety message. 

Questions? Please contact your regional Law Enforcement Assistance 

Program (LEAP) special agent at LEAP@faa.gov or via the contact 

information provided in this guide.
PUBLIC 18

SAFETY 

DRONE 

PLAYBOOK

\INVESTIGATIVE NOTES AND / OR LOCAL STATUES