The UAS team ("Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems") uses drone technology and related systems to help find missing subjects or evidence faster and more safely. The team typically deploys with three crew members: a remote pilot, the Visual Observer, and a UAS Searcher. All UAS crew members are familiar with general SAR search techniques to optimize search patterns, including Lost Person Behavior, and can operate day or night, in wilderness or urban environments.

Although many members are recreational drone enthusiasts, being a drone pilot is not required to join our team. All UAS team members are provided SAR-specific training to operate as an effective UAS crew, including training for Visual Observers and UAS Searchers. SAR UAS remote pilots must be FAA Part 107 certified remote commercial pilots for small UAS, fly county-provided drones, and undergo pilot training provided by the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office UAS Program.

The use of UAS provides a unique visual perspective of the search area, enables real-time situational awareness to search management, and an over watch capability for scene safety through the use of thermal and visible light cameras, spotlights and loudspeakers. 

The UAS team is the newest SCCSSAR specialty team, actively partners with peer agencies to share best practices, and is excited to adopt this technology to improve SAR effectiveness

UAS flight logs for Search and Rescue missions are available at Santa Clara County's Transparency Dashboard.