Police across the United States have released their first official guide on Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP), the term now used for what were previously known as UFOs. The 11-page document is designed to help officers navigate encounters with UAPs and outlines how such incidents should be reported. It also warns of the potential safety risks UAPs pose, especially to law enforcement air support units such as helicopters.

The guide, developed by the Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCCA), includes firsthand accounts from officers who have experienced these mysterious sightings. One notable example from 2023 involves an officer who spotted a “triangle craft with green lights” gliding through the sky. Shortly after, a local resident reported hearing something unusual running nearby, adding another layer of intrigue to the sighting.

The MCCA, made up of 80 executives from police departments in major U.S. cities, created the guide as part of their ongoing effort to stay informed about trends that could impact public safety. According to the MCCA, law enforcement needs to be aware of UAP reports due to the unknown threats these objects may pose.

The document has drawn attention due to its focus on real encounters between officers and UAPs. In one case, a police officer from Blairsville, Georgia, recounted seeing a triangular craft with green lights while on patrol. The officer emphasized that, despite his familiarity with helicopters and airplanes, the object he saw was unlike anything he had ever witnessed. This sighting occurred in November 2023, and the officer noted that the craft disappeared behind trees, leaving no audible sound due to the officer's position inside his vehicle.

The guide also highlights the broader, ongoing interest in the possibility of extraterrestrial life. Last month, S. Somanath, chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), stated that he believes there are “definitely aliens out there in the universe,” although he admitted there is no concrete proof. His statement reflects a growing openness among scientific and government leaders to consider the possibility of life beyond Earth.

The release of the UAP guide has generated mixed reactions. Nigel Watson, author of Captured by Aliens? A History and Analysis of American Abduction Claims, called the guide "very handy" for officers. He praised its brief history of UAP studies and the inclusion of organizations where sightings can be reported. However, Watson also pointed out certain shortcomings, noting that the guide doesn’t reference skeptical sources or provide a balanced view that counters more sensational UFO rumors.

Watson’s critique touches on the lingering debate surrounding UFOs, or UAPs. While law enforcement and government agencies are taking UAP sightings more seriously, some still question the validity of many claims. Historical studies like Project Bluebook, which concluded that UFO research lacked scientific value, are not mentioned in the new guide. Yet, the guide underscores that UAPs, whether terrestrial or not, pose potential threats to air safety and national security.

As sightings and encounters continue to be reported, the new UAP guide aims to provide law enforcement with a structured approach to dealing with these mysterious phenomena, blending cautious skepticism with preparedness.