The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit has long and proud roots, originally starting in the late-1970s utilizing Bell 47G-2s. It was re-established in 2001 by Sheriff Michael Bouchard with the purchase of 2 Airbus H125-B2s; it continues to be an excellent addition to our crime-fighting arsenal. The Aviation Unit was made possible with the privatization of the Oakland County Jail’s food services, saving $1.6 million annually. The savings allowed the Sheriff’s Office to provide expanded service capabilities with no additional costs to the taxpayer.

Both aircraft are equipped with highly sophisticated avionics, electronics, and camera equipment. The Sheriff’s Office maintains two aircraft, rotating which one is in service at any one time to save on operational and maintenance costs. For major events such as the Woodward Dream Cruise, both aircraft are utilized to ensure all participants and Oakland County residents have a safe and enjoyable time.

The aircraft and their equipment are a "force multiplier" for not just law enforcement but all public safety operations. It’s estimated that one helicopter in the air can cover as much territory as 12 ground units in vehicles, and more rapidly, allowing greater coverage compared to a traditional response. The primary function of the unit continues to be supporting ground units in any incident.

 The helicopters are invaluable in assisting in emergency situations and supporting units, including:

The Aviation Unit is one of the most technologically advanced and efficient public safety tools. In an era when homeland security concerns are paramount to law enforcement and Oakland County residents alike, the Unit is an invaluable asset. Between 2019 and 2024 the Aviation unit has flown over 1500 flight hours and responded to over 1000 calls for service. In 2023 the Unit clocked 288 flight hours and 272 calls for service from agencies all over the county.

Special equipment on the helicopters includes forward-looking infrared units (FLIR) that can detect heat sources in total darkness, and a 30 million-candlepower remote spotlight called Night Sun, because of its ability to illuminate a pitch-dark area as if it were high noon on a summer day. Most recently, the Aviation Unit equipped and trained pilots in utilizing Night Vision Goggles (NVG), which not only increase the safety margin but also work hand-in-hand with the infrared systems. Both aircraft are equipped with radios to communicate not only with nearly every local law enforcement agency but also fire and EMS services.

Specs on Oakland County Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit helicopters:

Equipped with:

For questions or requests, please email OCSOaviation@oakgov.com.

Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit overview

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZK1ojZqApAM

 Local 4, inside the Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_9XPaj9TCM

The Sheriff’s Office Drone Unit is a full-service robotics initiative, one of the oldest in the country and the second in Michigan, showcasing our commitment to enhancing law enforcement through innovation. Despite its name, the unit is responsible for operating advanced robotic systems across water, land, and air. This includes underwater rovers equipped with sonar for aquatic operations, ground robots outfitted with articulated arms and precision sensors for terrestrial tasks, and a fleet of over 30 drones operated by more than 85 certified Part 107 pilots for aerial missions. Together, these sophisticated systems empower us to excel in critical operations, such as search and rescue missions, overwatch, and rapid emergency response, in any environment. Our emphasis on rigorous training, including federal standards like the NIST UAS Course, ensures that our pilots are equipped with the necessary skills to provide invaluable aerial support when needed most, whether it's mapping crime scenes or aiding in 911 calls. Collaboration lies at the heart of our approach, as we strive to work closely with other agencies and community partners to maximize the impact of our efforts. Transparency is paramount in our operations, and initiatives like our transparency dashboard reflect our commitment to accountability and respecting the rights of our citizens.

https://portal.arxcommunity.com/dashboards/community/mi-co-oakland-so

Use-cases:

• DDS (Drones Deployed on Scene):
  • Deploys from the back of a patrol vehicle.
  • Search for missing persons or fleeing suspects.
  • Assist K-9 on tracks.
• DFR (Drone as First Responders):
  • Deploy a centrally located drone to dispatched 911 calls within a 3-mile radius.
  • First on scene over 65% of the time.
  • Assess the situation to determine the best approach for responders and if more or fewer assets are needed.
  • Dramatically safer fleeing vehicle pursuit capability.
• SSRT (Search and Rescue Team):
  • Large outdoor area searches for lost or missing persons.
  • Underwater sonar and searching in dive assistance.
  • Confined space robotics used for tight area searches (caves, sewers, collapsed structures).
• Crime Scene Reconstruction:
  • Detailed images of a scene using sophisticated sensors.
  • 2D and 3D digital scene reconstruction.
• Structure Fires:
  • Overwatch (provide live stream to fire command).
  • Identify “hotspots” with the thermal camera.
• Community Relations:
  • Teaching Kids and adults how to fly drones and the rules around using them legally and safely.
  • Event security and overwatch.

History:

The Sheriff’s Office Drone Unit was born out of necessity on September 9th, 2012, amidst a tragic incident involving the fatal shooting of a West Bloomfield Police Officer. What began as a routine disturbance call quickly escalated into a grueling 15-hour standoff and gun battle between an armed assailant and law enforcement.

In response to the escalating situation, Sheriff Michael Bouchard ordered a deputy to buy a Parrot Ar2.0 drone from Brookstone, a nearby electronics store. Despite conducting three test flights, the attempt to deploy a drone by untrained personnel into the residence proved unsuccessful. Nevertheless, the Sheriff saw the need for a new unit that could leverage this future technology to enhance the safety of law enforcement in high-risk situations.

Shortly after this inflection point, the Sheriff ordered the formal creation of a new unit, one trained and capable of adapting with emerging technological challenges. Thus, the “Tactical Aviation Support Unit” (TASU) was established, a new part and function of the existing Aviation Unit. After extensive collaboration with the FAA, the Sheriff’s Office became one of the earliest agencies in the country and the second in Michigan to obtain a waiver permitting the legal operation of drones within the United States. Notably, this occurred during a time when the FAA mandated government drone pilots to hold at least a private pilot’s license for fixed-wing or rotary aircraft.

Initially equipped with two custom-built drones—a large outdoor drone named Y6, and an indoor drone called Nano. The unit later acquired its first commercially manufactured drone in 2020, which showed the future potential this new tool had. In 2021, TASU underwent a transformation, rebranding as the now standalone “Drone Unit.” This restructuring empowered the Drone Unit as its own entity with a new command structure and dedicated personnel.

By the end of 2022, the Drone Unit achieved a significant milestone, becoming the first in the state and one of only a handful in the nation to receive clearance for flying drones beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), enabling operations up to 2 or 3 miles away from the launch site. The unit’s drone fleet evolved from simple commercial drones to high-end enterprise drones equipped with sophisticated sensors, avionics, and control systems.

DFR (Drone as First Responders):

Leveraging these advancements, the Sheriff’s Office established a DFR program (Drones as First Responders) to complement traditional police responses by deploying drones to active 911 calls. Notably, DFR does not engage in random patrols and is solely dedicated to responding to active calls for service.

Since its inception in early 2023, the DFR program has revolutionized police responses in various ways:

• Enabling deputies to formulate plans before engaging individuals experiencing mental health crises, ensuring the timely arrival of crisis intervention social workers.
• Facilitating de-escalation efforts by providing real-time visual insights into dynamic situations.
• Safely pursuing fleeing vehicles from the air, mitigating the risks associated with dangerous car chases.
• Tracking fleeing subjects from active crime scenes.
• Providing critical support during structure fire responses.

Since the implementation of DFR, the unit has been instrumental in tracking and apprehending homicide suspects, safely following felony fleeing vehicles until they stop, identifying critical points during structure fires, and providing oversight during mental health crisis calls to minimize tensions and potential use of force. In 2023, the unit responded to over 1000 calls, arriving first on the scene in over 65% of incidents.

Expansion into Land and Water Robotics:

In mid-2024, the Drone Unit expanded into a multi-environment robotics unit with advanced systems for land and water operations. This growth builds on the skills developed through drone operations, as core techniques like remote navigation, precision control, and situational assessment seamlessly apply across platforms.

• Our ground robots, equipped with articulated arms, HD cameras, and hazardous substance sensors, are crucial for tasks like bomb disposal, evidence retrieval, and hazardous material assessments. These systems excel in confined spaces, offering safer alternatives to human intervention.
• Underwater robotics further enhance our capabilities, with high-resolution sonar and robotic arms enabling operations in near zero-visibility conditions to locate submerged vehicles, evidence, or missing persons. Their compact design allows for rapid deployment in critical situations, providing a new perspective that traditional methods can benefit from, enhancing our ability to handle situations that may otherwise prove impossible for law enforcement to solve. 

The integration of these new systems not only enhances the unit’s versatility but also maximizes the efficiency of our training programs as pilots leverage their existing skill with one system to quickly learn all forms of robotics. With air, land, and water capabilities, the Drone Unit has transformed into a versatile robotics program ready for the unique challenges of modern law enforcement.

The Sheriff’s Office takes pride in upholding the legacy and tradition of the Drone Unit while fostering outreach and transparency. Pilots regularly participate with the community by conducting demonstrations at neighborhood events, teaching children how to pilot drones and ground vehicles, or answering questions from any who might ask. These efforts, combined with the transparency dashboard showcasing all DFR deployments, underscore our commitment to being a neighborhood STEM program dedicated to community engagement, growth, and safety.

For inquiries or event requests, please email OCSOuas@oakgov.com

FAQs:

• What defines a drone?
  • A drone, also referred to as a UAS (Uncrewed Aerial System), is an aerial vehicle operated remotely by a ground-based pilot through a handheld controller. It incorporates an onboard computer system for navigation and control and is propelled by battery-powered motors. Typically weighing less than 55 pounds, drones feature multiple rotors akin to those found on helicopters and are equipped with imaging devices, such as cameras, for capturing visual data from the air.
• What are the key differences between land, water, and air robotics?
  • All uncrewed systems are designed to meet the specific needs of different environments. For example, drones are lightweight, optimized for flight longevity and stability, land robots are durable, built to navigate a variety of terrain with mobility features like tracks or wheels, and underwater rovers are designed with a variety of remote sensing technology like sonar and specialized propulsion systems to operate effectively in aquatic settings. These adaptations ensure that each type of platform performs at its best in the respective environment.
• How does the DFR Program ensure privacy protection?
  • The DFR Program serves to enhance the operational capabilities of the Sheriff’s Office, particularly in response to emergency situations. In the context of this program, drones are selectively deployed to facilitate emergency response efforts or upon request for police assistance. However, stringent protocols are in place to safeguard individuals' privacy rights. Drone pilots are strictly prohibited from deliberately capturing or disseminating images of areas where individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as the interiors of private residences. Exceptions to this rule are permitted only upon judicial authorization or in instances of exigent circumstances.
• How does law enforcement handle the data collected by the Drone Unit?
  • Data collected by all uncrewed systems are subject to the same stringent privacy protocols and legal restrictions that regulate our body worn cameras. This includes secure storage practices, predefined video retention timeframes, limited access to sensitive information, and compliance with data protection laws to safeguard citizens' privacy rights.
• What legal framework governs the use of specifically drones by law enforcement?
  • In the United States, the FAA regulates the operation of drones through rules such as Part 107 or Part 91 COA (Certificate of Authorization) of the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR). These regulations cover various aspects of drone operations, including pilot certification, airspace restrictions, and operational limitations. Additionally, the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution protects against unreasonable searches and seizures by the government, including using drones for surveillance. Courts have considered the application of the Fourth Amendment to drone surveillance and have imposed limitations on law enforcement drone activities to ensure compliance with constitutional rights.
• Are there potential cost savings or efficiencies that the Drone Unit can bring to law enforcement operations?
  • Robotics, including drones, land-based vehicles, and water-based systems, offer significant cost savings and operational efficiencies for law enforcement. These technologies provide the ability to cover larger areas faster and more safely than traditional methods. For example, drones can quickly survey wide areas that might otherwise require multiple ground units or extensive vehicle resources, reducing the need for large teams and equipment. Similarly, land robots can handle hazardous terrain or environments that would be unsafe for deputies.
    All forms of robotics are equipped with advanced sensors and cameras, enhancing situational awareness and enabling quicker decision-making, which can reduce response times in critical situations. They also help minimize risk to personnel by handling dangerous tasks like navigating unstable ground or hazardous materials. Additionally, the lower cost of maintenance and operations for these systems, means that law enforcement agencies can maximize their resources. Robotics also contribute to efficient data collection, analysis, and evidence gathering, which can expedite investigations, support legal proceedings, and strengthen community safety—making law enforcement operations more effective, timely, and cost-efficient.
• How does robotics technology enhance public safety and law enforcement operations?
  • Robotics technology significantly enhances law enforcement capabilities by taking on tasks that might otherwise be too dangerous or difficult for human officers. For instance, robots can be deployed in high-risk search-and-rescue operations, where they can navigate unstable or hazardous environments like collapsed buildings, rubble, or floodwaters—areas where it would be unsafe to send officers. In tactical situations, robots can be used to gather intelligence in potentially dangerous settings, such as active crime scenes or standoffs, by providing real-time information without exposing human officers to risk.

For more FAQs related to UAS, please visit the Federal Aviation Administration’s FAQ page.

Emergency Response - 911

Note: messages left for the marine division may not be retrieved for hours or days, so if you have a marine-related incident that involves any injuries or damaged property, please call 911 to have an officer dispatched to your location.

Contact Information

For general information, classes, or to learn more about the Marine Unit’s operations, contact:

• General Information/Classes
  • Marine Unit: 248-858-7831
• Technical Support Group
  • Lt. Brian Burwell: 248-858-1664
• Marine Unit Deputies:
  • Larry Crake: 248-858-2335
  • Greg Vandewater: 248-452-9894
  • Robert Truchan: 248-858-5005

The Marine Unit works to ensure the safety of those enjoying Oakland County’s lakes and rivers, if you are interested in joining the marine Unit please contact Lt Brian Burwell.

The Patrol Services Division has many invaluable assets, including the Sheriff's Mobile Command Center. The vehicle is 37 feet long and 8 feet wide, built on a truck frame with a ninety-gallon diesel engine and a 20-kilowatt Kohler generator.

It is equipped with an observation platform, numerous electronic devices including a six-line cell phone system, three satellite phones, four computers, two printers, a fax machine, a weather station, an electronic street mapping system, high resolution video cameras, monitors and DVRs and an HD antenna for broadcast.

The Mobile Command Center radio system allows County police departments to stay in communication whenever necessary. The vehicle can be used as an emergency station during a natural disaster, when dealing with a barricaded gunman or simply as a central area of communication and oversight at a major community event such as the Woodward Dream Cruise.

The vehicle was purchased for $300,000 using drug forfeiture proceeds; there was virtually no cost to the taxpayers.

The Oakland County Sheriff's Office Reserve Unit is a community-based cadre of uniformed, trained volunteers. They have all attended a college-accredited Reserve Academy which allows them to work in conjunction with full-time Sheriff’s Office personnel. They continually receive updates and training, keeping them current with our ever- changing environment of law enforcement. The Reserves are credited with donating more than 20,000 hours yearly to assist the Sheriff's Office on a variety of details. Qualified citizens attend a Reserve Officers Training Academy, and upon graduation join our officers on patrol and work special events within the county. Events include:

• High school football and basketball games
• Local parades
• Dream Cruise
• 4H County Fair
• Local 4th of July events

The Sheriff's Office is grateful for the volunteer assistance of the Reserves and thanks them for the time they give toward the safety and protection of the citizens of Oakland County.

If you are interested in becoming an Oakland County Sheriff's Reserve Deputy, please email Lieutenant Brian Burwell at burwellb@oakgov.com.

Activation and Response

The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office (SSRT) is responsible for activating and coordinating the response of the Southeast Michigan Dive Group. Once activated, team leaders maintain command of their incidents, ensuring that resources are allocated and operations run smoothly. The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office supports these leaders by coordinating whatever resources they may need from the broader group.

The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office helps coordinate and oversee team activations and resource support by communicating directly with teams when a request comes from any team leader. Each incident is led by a designated team leader who directs operations on-site, while Oakland County ensures the necessary equipment and personnel are available.

The Dive Group operates with several levels of response depending on the situation:

Coverage Request: A dive team leader notifies that they may need assistance while their team is unavailable due to training or other reasons. No immediate action is taken but the group provides services should a need arise.

Level One: A team requests help for a specific incident. If possible, team leaders send a few divers or support personnel. In some cases, a full team may be deployed.

Level Two: For major emergencies like bridge collapses or plane crashes, team leaders send all available personnel and resources.

Strike Team Deployment: A Strike Team includes

• 1 Team Leader or Assistant Team Leader
• 3 Divers
• 1 Rescue Boat
• 1 Boat Operator

Teams are deployed for critical incidents or placed on standby in preparation for deployment.

Equipment Request: Teams can ask for specific tools or equipment needed for their operations.

What Does This Mean? This system ensures that the right level of response is provided for every situation, from routine operations to major disasters. By coordinating resources and personnel effectively, the Dive Group helps maintain safety and readiness across Southeast Michigan.

Interesting in Joining the Southeast Michigan Dive Group?

For agencies looking to join the Southeast Michigan Dive Group, please contact Lt. Brian Burwell at burwellb@oakgov.com or call 248-858-1664.

For emergency response, contact the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Communication and Operations Center at 248-858-4950.

The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Team (SSRT) is a specialized emergency response unit with a long history of dedicated service to the community. Originally founded in 1956 as the Sheriff’s Dive Team, the unit initially focused on underwater rescue and recovery. Over the last decade, it has evolved to meet the diverse demands of modern search and rescue operations, transforming into a full-scale team equipped to handle a variety of challenging environments. Now one of Michigan’s few comprehensive search and rescue teams, the SSRT serves Oakland County residents around the clock, 365 days a year, and provides statewide assistance upon request.

In its expanded role, the SSRT addresses a broad spectrum of emergencies, from large-scale land searches and technical rescues to natural disaster response. Its members are specially trained and bring a depth of expertise to each mission, enabling the unit to provide support in complex and high-risk scenarios. The SSRT’s commitment to continuous innovation and the integration of advanced technology have made it a critical asset, enhancing the sheriff’s office’s ability to locate and assist individuals in need swiftly and effectively.

The SSRT brings a highly trained team and specialized equipment to assist in a range of emergency scenarios with trained personnel and specialized equipment to scenes involving wide-area searches for missing or suicidal persons, water rescues, ice rescues, drownings, and provides support for search and rescue operations during natural disasters, confined space incidents, marine fuel spills, and other technical rescue operations.

In recent years, the SSRT has incorporated advanced technology and specialized training to enhance response times and operational effectiveness, ensuring safety across various terrains. They frequently collaborate with multiple agencies, providing critical support to local police, fire, and EMS operations.

Capabilities and Specialized Equipment

The SSRT uses state-of-the-art tools and techniques to facilitate rapid and efficient rescue missions. Their equipment includes:

• Water rescue boats and ice rescue gear such as the hovercraft for cold-water emergencies.
• Drones and thermal imaging for locating persons in hard-to-reach or dark areas.
• Technical Rescue support equipment.
• Specialty lighting and night vision gear to conduct nighttime and low-visibility operations.

SSRT works closely with the Sheriff’s Aviation Unit, whose helicopters provide critical aerial support during search and rescue missions, enhancing visibility and safety for both responders and the public.

Oakland County SSRT is also a proud member of the Southeast Michigan Dive Group. This partnership allows for expanded resources and expertise in water rescue and recovery operations, ensuring that the SSRT can provide swift and effective responses during large-scale emergencies. By working together with other agencies, the SSRT maximizes its impact and strengthens its ability to assist across a wide range of critical rescue scenarios.

SHERIFF’S SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAM (SSRT) ACTIVATIONS OR RESPONSE REQUESTS

Contact the Sheriff Office Emergency Communication and Operations Center 248-858-4950.

The Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT), commanded by Lt. Eric Hix,  is a highly-skilled, highly-trained group of officers selected from personnel throughout the Sheriff's Office. This team responds to critical situations involving barricaded gunmen, high- risk warrant arrests, drug raids and civil disturbances.

Specialized training and sophisticated equipment, including the armored personnel carrier (BEAR), provide the necessary tools to help resolve these dangerous missions quickly and safely. The Sheriff's Office is now integrated with South Oakland SWAT, resulting in more effective service to other parts of the county.