Not sure which city you are talking about , but in Chula Vista, CA, they are working directly with the FFA. Chula Vista is one of ten IPP (integrated piolt program) designated cities where these agencies work to create policy/protocol for various industries. In Chula Vista, its all about law enforcement. Other cities are working with different industries. Chula Vista will have a fleet of drones stationed at various locations around the city. They can launch and operate the drones from their main headquarters. Currently a PIC will be available at each launch site, but the drone will mainly be operated by a pilot at the main headquarters. The goal is to get a waiver for BVLOS. The program was just launched on October 22nd. It is actually working very well, considering the limitation they currently have to work around. In thew first three days the drones where deplyed 29 times. About 30% of the deployments where for disturbance type calls. The drone operator was abou to clear about 17% of the calls before PD arrived to the scene. This allows CVPD to keep their PD units available for other calls for service, thus creating efficiency in the system. Under the IPP, they have an FFA representative assigned just to Chula Vista, so that they can work to integrate LE drones into the airspace community.
