Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS)

The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office utilizes a small number of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) to enhance the office’s mission to protect lives and property when other means and resources are not available or are less effective. CCSCO recognizes privacy interest concerns of the public. To that end, and in compliance with ORS 837.362, CCSO has adopted a policy guiding sUAS use, training, privacy, and public information sharing. Evidence data obtained by a UAS will be retained pursuant to OAR 166-150-0135 and is handled based on CCSO policies. CCSO currently does not have intergovernmental agreements regarding disclosure of data.

CCSO Policy 605 Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems can be reviewed in the CCSO Policies and Procedures Document.

ORS 192.345, Public records conditionally exempt from disclosure

• Pursuant to a valid Warrant authorizing its use.
• When there is probable cause to believe that a person has committed a crime, is committing a crime or about to commit a crime, and exigent circumstances exist that make it unreasonable to obtain a warrant authorizing the use.
• With written consent of an individual for the purpose of acquiring information about the individual or the individual's property.
• As part of search and rescue activities, as defined in ORS 404.200.
• When assisting an individual in an emergency if there is a reasonable belief that there is an imminent threat to the life and safety of the individual, if:
  • A report shall be prepared documenting the factual basis for the belief;
  • Not more than 48 hours after the emergency operation begins a sworn statement shall be filed with the circuit court describing the nature of the emergency and the need for the use of a sUAS.
• During a state of emergency declared by the Governor if:
  • The sUAS is used only for the purpose of preserving public safety, protecting property or conducting surveillance that will be used to assess and evaluate environmental or weather-related damage, erosion or contamination; and
  • The sUAS is operated only in the geographical area specified in the Governor's proclamation.
• For the purpose of reconstructing a crime scene or accident scene, or a similar physical assessment, that is related to a specific investigation, for a period not to exceed five (5) days as provided by ORS 837.340.
• For the purpose of training in the use of a sUAS and the acquisition of information through the operation of a sUAS, as provided in ORS 837.345.

Prohibited use of sUAS includes:

• To conduct random surveillance activities.
• To harass, intimidate, or discriminate against any individual or group.
• To conduct personal business of any type.
• The sUAS shall not be weaponized (capable of firing a bullet or projectile, or designed or modified to cause and presently capable of causing serious physical injury). (ORS 837.365).
• The sUAS shall not be used in any way that causes interference with an aircraft that is in the air, taking off, or landing, including, but not limited to by use of a laser (ORS 837.374).