Unmanned Aircraft (Drone) Policy
Unmanned Aircraft Drone Policy
The university has guidelines for the use of unmanned aircraft systems, including drones and model aircraft, on or above UIC property. The policy explains the legal requirements that apply, who may operate a drone in connection with the university, and how UICPD responds to reports of drone activity. It also outlines documentation expectations, incident reporting procedures, and the rules that govern law enforcement use of unmanned aircraft.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this order is to provide guidance to sworn members of the University of Illinois at Chicago Police Department when responding to reports of Unmanned Aircraft (Drone) usage on or around property or land belonging to the University of Illinois at Chicago.
POLICY
The operation of unmanned aircraft systems—including drones and model aircraft—is regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and relevant local and state law. It is the policy of the University of Illinois at Chicago Police Department to investigate and ensure compliance with those legal obligations and to reduce risks to safety, security, and privacy when responding to reports of Unmanned Aircraft (Drone) usage on or around University of Illinois at Chicago property.
DEFINITIONS
University of Illinois at Chicago Land/Property — Buildings, grounds, and land owned or controlled by the University of Illinois at Chicago through leases or other formal contractual arrangements.
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) — Also known as drones. According to the FAA, UAS includes the unmanned aircraft and all associated support equipment, control stations, data links, telemetry, communications, and navigation equipment. FAA regulations apply regardless of size or weight.
Model Aircraft — Considered differently by the FAA than UAS. Model aircraft are for hobby or recreation only, must remain within visual line of sight, and should weigh under 55 pounds unless certified by an aeromodelling community-based organization. They must be flown a safe distance from populated areas.
COA (Certificate of Authorization or Waiver) — Authorization issued by the FAA Air Traffic Organization to a public operator for specific UAS activity.
333 Exemption — FAA exemption under Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, allowing certain UAS operations without an airworthiness certificate.
1. Preface
All members of the University of Illinois at Chicago community are responsible for complying with FAA regulations, local, state, and federal laws, and university policies. This policy applies to:
- University faculty, staff, and students operating unmanned aircraft systems as part of their employment or University activities.
- Any person operating an unmanned aircraft system or model aircraft on or above University property.
- Hired or contracted personnel providing unmanned aircraft services for any University department.
- Any University employee or student wishing to operate a UAS as part of University employment or programs (must obtain a 333 exemption or COA).
- Any third party or hobbyist wishing to operate a UAS or model aircraft over University property (must obtain University approval and provide proof of FAA approval).
2. Law Enforcement Response (D.R.O.N.E.)
D — Direct attention outward and upward. Attempt to locate and identify individuals operating the drone (windows, balconies, rooftops). R — Report the incident to the FAA Regional Operations Center (ROC). Assistance is available through FAA Law Enforcement Assistance Program agents. O — Observe the UAS and maintain visibility. Note damage, injuries, and battery life (typically 20–30 minutes). N — Notice features: type (fixed-wing or multi-rotor), size, color, payload (e.g., camera), and activity. E — Execute appropriate police action. Maintain public safety, conduct field interviews, and document all details per FAA guidance: https://www.faa.gov/uas/resources/law_enforcement/ (faa.gov in Bing)
3. Unmanned Aircraft Incident Reporting
UICPD officers responding to a report of an unmanned aircraft will document the incident as an Other Investigations/Quasi-Criminal report. Officers should gather:
- Identity of operators and witnesses (name, contact information)
- Type of operation (hobby, commercial, governmental)
- Type of device and registration information
- Event location and incident details (date, time, place)
- Evidence (photos, video, device confiscation)
After approval, the Watch Commander will forward the report to the FAA Central ROC (IL). Violations of University policy will be handled according to applicable procedures and laws. Notifications will be made to the appropriate department head or Student Affairs when applicable. Legal action may be pursued against unaffiliated third parties operating UAS in violation of law.
Applicable Illinois statutes may include: Criminal Trespass to State Supported Land, Disorderly Conduct, Reckless Conduct, and Unauthorized Video Recording or Live Transmission.
4. Law Enforcement Use of Unmanned Aircraft
Use of an Unmanned Aircraft (Drone) by on-duty UICPD personnel for law enforcement activities must comply with FAA regulations, the Freedom from Drone Surveillance Act (725 ILCS 167/), and all related local ordinances.