About the Drone Support Unit
The Milledgeville Police Department Drone Support Unit operates Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) to enhance situational awareness, support ground operations, and improve officer and public safety. All MPD UAS operators are FAA Part 107 certified and trained in law enforcement aerial operations.
Drone technology provides MPD with a cost-effective capability that was previously only available through aviation assets — giving commanders real-time aerial intelligence to make better tactical decisions.
Operational Capabilities
- Aerial reconnaissance and real-time situational awareness during active incidents
- Search and rescue — locating missing persons across large or difficult terrain
- Perimeter and suspect tracking during foot pursuits
- SWAT and tactical support — pre-entry aerial assessment of structures and grounds
- Crash scene documentation and evidence preservation
- Large event aerial monitoring for officer deployment coordination
- Post-incident aerial documentation for investigations
FAA Compliance & Privacy
All MPD drone operations are conducted in compliance with FAA regulations and applicable Georgia law governing the use of UAS by law enforcement. Drone deployment is subject to departmental policy, command authorization, and applicable warrant requirements.
UAS Deployment
Drone support is requested through the chain of command for qualifying incidents. For active emergencies requiring aerial support, call 911. For non-emergency operational inquiries, contact (478) 414-4090.