out 11-04-2013 “ape€f7noronn FBI’s Use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles SUF) The FBI uses unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in very limited circumstances to conduct surveillance when there is a specific operational need. Over the last seven years, UAVs have been used for surveillance in eight criminal cases and two national security cases. In total, UAYs have been authorized and deployed for use a total of 34 times; in some instances, the UAVs were authorized, deployed and flown several times in one case, in other instances, they were authorized and deployed, but never actually flown. Of these 34 total deployments, 20 deployments were for use in national security cases and 14 deployments were for use in criminal cases. In three criminal cases, the UAVs were authorized and deployed for use, but never flown. bTE Privacy Protections and Limitations on Use bE bre + (usrouof bE + (U/FOUO) FBI must obtain approval from the FAA for any use of UAVs for surveillance. Prior to operating a UAV, the FBI must first obtain a Certificate of ‘Authorization from the FAA. A Certificate of Authorization authorizes the use of the UAV only ina designated area. © (U/MFOUO) In general, BIE SpaGynoronn(0) Technological Capabilities Mr) FBI cure i |ASs) that are operational and available for deployment, bre e FBI has 31 UAVS. PSUNF) Fach UAS requires the FBI to have at least two personnel to operate it: [7] Each FBI UAV has a total weight of Tess than 55 pounds The total expenditure on the UAV program To date is approximately $3 million, /[NF) In certain circumstances, using UAVs for aerial surveillance can offer operational _benefits, UAVs are virtually undetectable at operating altitudes CREW-602 IE BIE IE