DATE: July 13, 2021
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Chief of Police
SUBJECT
Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Purchase and Adoption of an Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS or “Drones”) Program for the Hayward Police Department
RECOMMENDATION
That the Council adopts a resolution (Attachment II) authorizing the purchase and adoption of an Unmanned Aerial System Program for the Hayward Police Department.
SUMMARY
Technology is rapidly changing the face of modern policing. The ever-developing Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) technology, often referred to as a “drone,” is poised to transform law enforcement operations at a level not seen since the introduction of body-worn cameras. UAS are a portable and easy-to-learn technology being utilized by law enforcement agencies across the country to improve operational efficiency <https://www.policeone.com/police-products/Police-Drones/articles/417122006-How-UAS-technologies-are-changing-the-way-police-view-incident-scenes/>, as well as officer and community safety <https://www.policeone.com/police-products/Police-Drones/articles/9502450-5-ways-drones-can-help-cops-fight-crime/>.
The Police Department proposes to expand the City’s existing UAS capabilities in order to complete tasks and provide service to the public more efficiently and safely. Currently, a City of Hayward Information Technology employee operates a UAS for the purpose of GIS mapping and holds the only Certificate of Authority (COA) to operate a UAS within City limits. The Police Department 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 governments and public agencies is no longer considered new technology and the City is surrounded by municipalities and law enforcement agencies that use UAS technology as part of their regular service provision and operations. The Hayward Police Department periodically calls upon other police agencies to have their UAS team deploy for Hayward incidents. Having a locally controlled UAS program would ensure City oversight and controls of the program.
Importantly, as with other law enforcement technology, the use of UAS is governed by the privacy rights provided to all community members under the Fourth Amendment and the associated Police Department policy (Attachment III). Thus, UAS will not be used for random surveillance or interception of any protected communications. Moreover, UAS will not be used as a weapons platform.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment I Staff Report
Attachment II Resolution
Attachment III Policy 610 Unmanned Aerial System UAS Operations