Drones

Use of Drones

We are authorised to photograph, film, and assess sites across the Sunderland City Council area using a 'drone' - also known as an unmanned aircraft system (UAS).

Drones help us to:

• Detect and prevent crime and disorder
• Investigate reports of environmental crime
• Carry out enforcement investigations
• Carry out site surveys
• Carry out public events

In particular, drones help us to view sites which would ordinarily be difficult to access on the ground.

An 'operational authorisation' has been granted to Sunderland City Council by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) (opens new window). This allows us to operate using an approved operations manual and full risk assessments.

We use qualified remote pilots to fly drones. Having passed theory and practical flight exams, each drone operator has been awarded with a General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (GVC), which is accredited by the CAA. The operator has overall responsibility for making sure every flight takes place safely and within the law.

The qualified drone team will make sure:

• Images or video recordings captured during drone flights will be stored securely
• Images and video recordings are only taken when required as part of the operation and our drones do not record continuously during flights
• Any images or recordings which are not relevant to the drone flight will be securely destroyed, in line with the principles set out in the Data Protection Act (2018) and The General Data Protection Regulations.

The Information Commissioner's Office (opens new window) has been consulted about data protection. A risk assessment sets rules for how the team must work.