TO: Committee of the Whole - Public Safety and Human Services
FROM: Mayor Angela Birney
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR CONTACT(S):
|
Police |
Chief Darrell Lowe |
425-556-2521 |
DEPARTMENT STAFF:
|
Police |
Brian Coats |
Captain |
TITLE:
title
Police Department Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Update for Council
OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
recommendation
This agenda item provides an informational update on the police department’s use and expansion of the Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) program.
Staff originally brought this program to Council’s attention in June 2019 when the department purchased a single, yet robust UAV (drone). Since then, the program has expanded in both scope and number of UAVs in the department’s inventory. The department currently has 7 UAVs of various models including 2 mini-UAVs used to search indoors. The department has a total of 13 FAA licensed UAV pilots dispersed among divisions and shifts for immediate deployments nearly 24/7.
The UAS remains an invaluable tool for documenting serious traffic collisions and crime scenes in an efficient and technically detailed manner. The technology is being increasingly used by officers as a tool to search for suspects and missing persons. The department is exploring the benefit of using the UAV as a first responder. Launched from the police department, the UAV can travel across town quickly and evaluate the need or type of patrol response necessary. Similar first responder UAS programs in California have proven to be successful as it keeps patrol resources available for priority calls.
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☐ Additional Background Information/Description of Proposal Attached
REQUESTED ACTION:
☒ Receive Information ☐ Provide Direction ☐ Approve
REQUEST RATIONALE:
• Relevant Plans/Policies:
RPD Policy 605: Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Operations
• Required:
N/A
• Council Request:
Receive information
• Other Key Facts:
N/A
OUTCOMES:
2022 Year-End UAS Statistics:
• 13 licensed pilots and 7 UAVs provides better 24/7 coverage
• 55+ deployments. 35 hours of flight time (not including training).
• Security overwatch at large outdoor events, demonstrations, and protests
• Agency assist deployments in neighboring jurisdictions
• Considering drone as a first responder (DFR) for applicability in the City.
UAS Benefits:
• Increased successful apprehension rates.
• Enhanced ability to locate missing, suicidal, and endangered persons.
• Mini UAVs allow searching interior locations safer by placing technology into an unknown area where an armed subject may be hiding.
• Eliminates the need for a traditional officer response in some circumstances.
COMMUNITY/STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH AND INVOLVEMENT:
• Timeline (previous or planned):
N/A
• Outreach Methods and Results:
N/A
• Feedback Summary:
N/A
BUDGET IMPACT:
Total Cost:
No budget impact
Approved in current biennial budget: ☐ Yes ☐ No ☒ N/A
Budget Offer Number:
228 Criminal Justice
Budget Priority:
Safe and Resilient
Other budget impacts or additional costs: ☐ Yes ☒ No ☐ N/A
If yes, explain:
N/A
Funding source(s):
General fund
Budget/Funding Constraints:
N/A
☐ Additional budget details attached
COUNCIL REVIEW:
Previous Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
N/A |
Item has not been presented to Council |
N/A |
Proposed Upcoming Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
N/A |
None proposed at this time |
Receive Information |
Time Constraints:
N/A
ANTICIPATED RESULT IF NOT APPROVED:
N/A
ATTACHMENTS:
None