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Mill Creek Police show off drone unit, highlight thermal cameras and pilot training
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Summary
Mill Creek Police demonstrated their unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) program for council, describing deployments, FAA rules, a Part 107-trained pilot roster and how thermal imaging has helped searches and evidence mapping.
Mill Creek Police presented a demonstration of their unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) program at the June 10 council meeting, describing how drones have supported searches, incident documentation and officer safety and outlining Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements the unit follows.
Sergeant Fouch, who leads the program, said the department operates two types of drones: an Autel Max 4T with thermal imaging and a DJI Mavic Air 2 for tight interior practice flights. “One of the things that we quickly found out about the drone program is it is a great force multiplier,” Fouch told council, describing instances in which thermal and zoom cameras helped officers locate suspects and clear marshes at night.
What the department said it does: The Mill Creek pilots hold FAA Part 107 certification, the department logs every flight and tracks altitude, controller identity and flight paths. Fouch said pilots must complete a minimum training threshold (six hours of flight/time-training per pilot before call deployment) and that the department has recorded 315 flights across its pilots, including Detective Chris White’s 123 flights and Corporal Lerma’s 104 flights.
Privacy and FAA controls: Fouch told the council the department operates within FAA rules and files LAANC approvals when required because much of the city lies in restricted Paine Field airspace. He said drones above 250 grams broadcast an ID that Paine Field can see and that the department limits indoor use to small, caged drones to avoid exposed propellers. On privacy concerns, Fouch said the thermal camera does not “see through glass” and that crews do not record or review imagery outside of operational need.
Operational examples: Fouch described multiple deployments where thermal imaging located suspects hiding under bushes, in parking lots, or in marsh areas at night; aided a Lynnwood homicide investigation by videoing scenes; and helped document collision scenes. He also described regional cooperation — agencies share drone resources and expertise for mutual aid responses.
Council questions and technology limits: Council members asked about whether Mill Creek was ahead of other agencies; Fouch said the department is “firmly planted” with capable hardware but could benefit from additional streaming radios to pursue beyond-visual-line-of-sight waivers. He also warned of FAA fines for unauthorized flights and emphasized preflight checks (weather, cloud base, line of sight) and the need to yield to manned aircraft.
No policy change: The council received the demonstration and discussed privacy protections and interagency reciprocity; no ordinance or regulation was adopted at the meeting.
