The Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office UAS Aviation Unit, established in early 2022, is a cutting-edge drone program designed to enhance our capabilities in public safety and emergency response. Replacing our former manned helicopter unit, this innovative team leverages advanced unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to support a wide array of ground operations.

Our unit comprises a dedicated team of deputies, supervisors, and analysts, all trained to operate our fleet of drones in various critical scenarios. All TCSO pilots have attained their FAA Part 107 Certification. The UAS Aviation Unit is deployed for search and rescue missions, tracking eluding suspects, crime scene mapping, overwatch, high-risk apprehensions, and emergency management operations, providing vital aerial support to ensure the safety and security of our community.

Our drones are equipped with a variety of sophisticated camera systems, offering variable levels of zoom and thermal imaging capabilities. Additionally, they are fitted with powerful multi-thousand lumen spotlights, allowing for enhanced visibility and precise operations during night missions or in low-light conditions.

The Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office UAS Aviation Unit stands at the forefront of law enforcement technology, dedicated to protecting and serving our community with the latest advancements in aerial surveillance and support.