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.
body
? 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 cov...
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