The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office (NPSO) has begun employing small Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), commonly referred to as drones, to assist in various law enforcement operations throughout Natchitoches Parish.
The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office cannot and will not use drones to “spy on” or invade the privacy of the citizens of Natchitoches Parish. The use of UAS technology is strictly governed by federal and state law, as well as departmental policy, and is intended solely to enhance public safety and operational effectiveness.
NPSO drones may be utilized for the following purposes:
* Training and proficiency exercises
* Search and rescue operations
* Fugitive recovery
* Crime scene and crash scene documentation
* Search warrant execution
* SWAT operations
* Criminal investigations when authorized by a search warrant issued by the 10th Judicial District Court
Important Information for the Public
As a general rule, private and commercial drone flights over private property are legal. Similar to any aircraft regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) operating within the National Airspace System (NAS), unmanned aerial systems have a statutory right of overflight. Federal court rulings have established that navigable airspace is considered public domain (Drennen v. County of Ventura; Lacey v. United States, 1979).
If you observe the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office deploying a drone, please do not interfere with the drone or its pilot. All NPSO drone operators are FAA-authorized, and all aircraft are properly registered.
Any attempt to shoot down, damage, disable, or otherwise interfere with a drone is illegal. According to the FAA, any unmanned aircraft—regardless of size—is considered an aircraft under Title 18, United States Code, Section 32. Violations of this federal statute may result in criminal prosecution and penalties of up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted. Additionally, intercepting, jamming, or interfering with a drone’s control signals is a violation of the Communications Act of 1934 and is also a federal offense.
Citizens with questions or concerns regarding NPSO drone operations are encouraged to contact the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office Drone Team Lead, Sgt. E. Mogridge at 318-357-7830.
Sheriff Stuart Wright said:
“In July, several of our deputies became certified in the use of drones,” said Sheriff Stuart Wright. “We took the time to study and select the best equipment suitable for law enforcement operations in Natchitoches Parish. It took several months for the equipment to arrive, and we are pleased to now offer this technology to assist our deputies and better serve the citizens of Natchitoches Parish during emergency situations.”
Original story on July 29, 2025
Eight Natchitoches Parish Deputies Complete Advanced Drone Training
Over the past four days, eight deputies from the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office successfully completed an advanced Unmanned Aircraft Systems (aUAS) drone training course, enhancing the agency’s operational capabilities in modern law enforcement.
The training was conducted by Retired U.S. Marine Corps Major Bryan Sprankle of the Public Agency Drone Association and held on the grounds of the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center. The course included both classroom instruction and practical flight exercises—featuring daytime and nighttime missions using advanced FLIR (Forward Looking Infrared) technology.
Drones have become an increasingly vital tool in public safety efforts across Louisiana and the United States. The completion of this course ensures that NPSO deputies are prepared to support a wide range of law enforcement operations from the air.
“We are pleased that Sheriff Stuart Wright authorized this important training,” said NPSO Major Jonathan Byles. “These eight certified deputies are now equipped to deploy drones during crime scene investigations, accident reconstructions, missing persons searches, SWAT operations, and other critical incidents.”
The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office continues to invest in technology and training that enhances its ability to protect and serve the community effectively.
NPSO Deputies completing the training were: Lt B. Dalme, Lt. B. Smith, Sgt. K. Padilla, Cpl. N. Kerby, Deputy B. Hamilton, Sgt. E. Mogridge, Lt. M. Giannone and Deputy S. Dieter.
Chief Deputy D. Winder attended the certificate promotion.