LANSING, MI -- Michigan State Police have become one of the first law enforcement agencies in the nation to receive authorization from the Federal Aviation Authority to use unmanned aerial systems, commonly referred to as drones, in police operations.

It's been conducting training flights with the FAA's permission since February of 2014.

State police purchased a Aeryon SkyRanger in September of 2013 that will be on display for media at the Michigan State Police Training Academy located at 7426 North Canal Road in Lansing at 1 p.m. Wednesday.

The drone cost about $160,000 and was purchased with grant funds, said state police spokeswoman Tiffany Brown.

There are no imminent plans to purchase others.

"Potential missions include search and rescue, crime scene and crash investigations," a statement from state police said.

In order to obtain federal certification, state police created "strict policy" and procedures for pilots and spotters to adhere to. They include:

The unmanned aerial device is always flown by a two-person crew, with one acting as the pilot and the other as a safety observer

The FAA certified pilot has received specific training from the manufacturer in the safe operation of the Aeryon SkyRanger

The device must remain below 400 feet

It must remain within line of sight of the crew

Although the manufacturer's website says, "the unique touch-screen interface allows you to fly beyond line-of-sight, or fly at night, without losing the location of your flyer," use of those capabilities are contrary to the policy issued by state police.

The Aeryon SkyRanger is capable of live-streaming video and photos to any handheld smart phone.

"Field-tested and mission-proven, Aeryon (unmanned aerial systems) set the standard for immediate aerial intelligence gathering by anyone, anywhere, anytime, for a wide range of military, public safety and commercial applications," the Aeryon website says.

State police tested the aircraft for one of the first times since receiving certification on March 4. Pilots flew the device over a fire investigation near Jenison, located southwest of Grand Rapids, and "collected both video and photographs of the structure to help investigators determine the origin and cause of the fire.


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