Eugene police expand drone program with new FAA exemption

Proposed bill would expand police drone use

A bill moving through the Oregon Legislature would expand law enforcement's ability to deploy drones — a move that has drawn widespread support from law enforcement and legislators but also sparked serious privacy concerns from civil rights advocates.

Eugene police expand drone program with new FAA exemption

The Eugene Police Department recently received a waiver from the Federal Aviation Administration to expand the reach of its drone program.The new waiver allows drone operators to fly beyond a visual line of sight at altitudes up to 200 feet, working from the police station. Eugene Police had to prove their 13 pilots are fully trained and the equipment meets safety and airspace requirements.EPD’s Sgt. Kyle Williams said the new regulation helps t…