HCSO Air Operations

08/21/2026

11 New Drone Operators!

Today, we wrapped up our two-week, 80-hour Drone Operator Course, adding 11 new drone operators to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office!

These newly trained operators represent several areas across the agency, including Patrol, Traffic, SWAT, and the Bomb Unit.

Over the past two weeks, students received extensive classroom and hands-on flight training designed to prepare them to safely and effectively deploy drones during real-world law enforcement operations.

Expanding our team of trained drone operators across multiple divisions puts this technology directly into the hands of deputies who can use it to enhance officer safety, situational awareness, and operational capabilities throughout Harris County.

Congratulations to our newest drone operators on completing 80 hours of training! 👏

07/31/2026

On Thursday night, ABLE 4 was conducting airborne patrol when the crew heard Houston Police Department was pursuing a vehicle near Walters Road and Ridge Hollow Drive.

ABLE 4 responded and began providing aerial updates as the pursuit traveled northbound on the Hardy Toll Road. HPD units terminated the the pursuit, but ABLE 4 continued tracking the vehicle and coordinated with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.

Montgomery County deputies attempted to stop the vehicle near the Grand Parkway, but the driver maneuvered around their units and continued fleeing. The vehicle later stopped at a gas station near the Grand Parkway and FM 1314, where the driver was taken into custody without incident.

Great multiagency teamwork helped bring this incident to a safe conclusion.

07/27/2026

Pursuit Ends Safely with Driver in Custody

Harris County Sheriff’s Office District 6 deputies safely brought a vehicle pursuit to an end near Seaton Lake Drive and SH 249 after attempting to stop a reckless driver near SH 249 and Spring Cypress Road.

After the driver was taken into custody, deputies learned the individual had also just been involved in a Failure to Stop and Give Information (FSGI) crash near the Grand Parkway and Champions Forest Drive. The driver was charged with Evading and FSGI.

Great work by our District 6 deputies in bringing this incident to a safe conclusion.

07/01/2026

Around 1 a.m. this morning, Harris County Sheriff's Office ABLE 4 was assisting Harris County Precinct 5 Constables near Westgreen Blvd. and Longenbaugh Rd. with locating a male who evaded on foot.

While searching the area, ABLE 4 was hit multiple times with a high-intensity green laser. The crew had to divert course, but was still able to locate the suspect actively pointing the laser at the aircraft.

ABLE 4 then guided Precinct 5 Constables directly to him, where he was contacted and taken into custody.

Pointing a laser at an aircraft is dangerous, illegal, and not a “prank.” It can temporarily blind or distract a flight crew and create a serious safety issue for everyone involved. In Texas, illumination of an aircraft is a Class A misdemeanor and may also be pursued as a federal offense.

Great work by Terry Allbritton, Harris County Constable Precinct 5 for their quick response and assistance.

06/26/2026

Thank you to KHOU 11 News for spending time with the Harris County Sheriff's Office Air Operations team and showcasing how we’re supporting security efforts from above during the FIFA events.

We also want to extend our sincere appreciation to our federal partners for their outstanding collaboration and teamwork. Operations like these are successful because of the strong partnerships we’ve built together.

Officials have intercepted dozens of unauthorized drones around Houston's World Cup events https://www.khou.com/article/news/local/drone-operators-charge-flying-restricted-airspace-fifa-fan-festival-houston-stadium/285-06d4a64b-d498-4920-b6d2-e86c4f1563e5

06/24/2026

50 Drone Incursions Since the Start of FIFA Fan Fest

Since the start of FIFA Fan Fest, Harris County Sheriff's Office Air Operations has responded to 50 drone incursions within the Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) surrounding the event.

A TFR is federally restricted airspace established to protect public safety, event attendees, emergency operations, and authorized aircraft operating in the area. Flying a drone within a TFR without authorization is a violation of federal regulations.

Many operators are surprised to learn that these restrictions are readily available through FAA resources and most drone flight planning applications before takeoff.

Before every flight:

✅ Check for TFRs and airspace restrictions
✅ Review your planned flight area
✅ Ensure you are authorized to operate
✅ When in doubt, do not launch

Our goal is education and compliance. We want everyone to enjoy the event safely while helping protect the airspace above it.

Checking the airspace takes only a few moments. The consequences of not doing so can last much longer.

06/18/2026

🚨 UNAUTHORIZED DRONE OPERATIONS IDENTIFIED 🚨

These photos are from yesterday alone.

The individuals pictured below are just some of the unauthorized drone operators identified within the FIFA Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR).

A reminder to all drone operators: know the airspace before you fly. The FIFA TFR is active, and unauthorized operations may result in FAA enforcement action and civil penalties.

And for those wondering, remaining in your vehicle does not prevent us from locating the drone operator.

Thank you to our federal partners and local law enforcement agencies for their continued support and collaboration.

Know before you fly.

06/16/2026

🚨 DRONE OPERATORS: FIFA FAN FEST AIRSPACE RESTRICTIONS ARE IN EFFECT 🚨

The FIFA Fan Fest and surrounding area are currently protected by a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR). Despite repeated notifications and public outreach, drone operators continue to fly within the restricted airspace.

Since the start of FIFA activities, Air Operations personnel have identified approximately 12 unauthorized drone flights within the TFR. The individuals pictured below were located and contacted after operating drones in restricted airspace.

Flying a drone inside a TFR is not just unsafe, it is a violation of federal regulations. These restrictions are in place to protect public safety, event attendees, emergency responders, and manned aircraft operating in the area.

Before flying a drone, operators are responsible for ensuring they are operating legally. This includes:

✅ Checking for active TFRs and airspace restrictions before every flight
✅ Passing the FAA TRUST (The Recreational UAS Safety Test) and carrying proof of completion when flying recreationally
✅ Registering your drone with the FAA when required by federal regulations
✅ Displaying your FAA registration number on the aircraft when required
✅ Reviewing current NOTAMs and FAA guidance
✅ Understanding where and when drone operations are prohibited

Many drone violations occur simply because pilots fail to check the airspace before launching. A few minutes of preparation can prevent federal violations, enforcement action, and unsafe situations.

Our Harris County Sheriff's Office Air Operations team is actively monitoring the airspace throughout FIFA events and will continue identifying unauthorized drone operations within restricted areas.

Know before you fly. Check before you launch.

If you can see the event, chances are your drone should not be in the air.

06/12/2026

Different perspective. Same mission.
Harris County Sheriff's Office Air Operations is supporting FIFA Fan Fest activities from the ground and the air. With TFRs in effect, now is a good reminder that every Remote Pilot in Command is responsible for checking airspace restrictions before flight.
Fly smart. Fly legal.

05/27/2026

The office after dark.