DATE: March 16, 2021
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Chief of Police
SUBJECT
Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Purchase and Adoption of an Unmanned Aerial System Program for the Hayward Police Department and the Hayward Fire DepartmentTitleEnd
RECOMMENDATIONRecommendation
That the Council adopts a resolution (Attachment II) to authorize the purchase and adoption of an Unmanned Aerial System Program for the Hayward Police Department and the Hayward Fire Department.
End
SUMMARY
Currently, City GIS staff holds the only Certificate of Authority (COA) to operate a UAS within City limits for the purpose of GIS mapping. The Hayward Police Department (HPD) would like to expand the City’s UAS program by securing its own COA and UAS for public safety use. The utilization of UAS by local government and public agencies is no longer considered new technology, although the abilities of UAS continue to grow and develop with time. The City is surrounded by municipalities and law enforcement agencies that incorporate UAS technology to complete tasks more efficiently and safely, giving officers more time and distance to evaluate and deescalate situations. The Hayward Police Department frequently calls upon other surrounding agencies to request use of their UAS equipment. However, there are many times when the equipment is not available or is in use for emergency situations in the other community.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment I Staff Report
Attachment II Resolution
Attachment III Unmanned Aerial System UAS Operations
Attachment IV Surveillance and Data Retention Policy Guiding Principles Working Document