Report Prepared by: Dan Dabney, Sergeant
Title
SUBJECT: Accept Donated Equipment for Merced Police Department Small Unmanned Aerial Division.
REPORT IN BRIEF
Accept donated equipment from SHOPSABRE CNC and PEL Design for the Merced Police Department Small Unmanned Aerial Division.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Accepting (2) DJI Phantom 4 Pro Plus drone donations from SHOPSABRE CNC and FLIR Camera donations from PEL Designs; and,
B. Adopting Resolution 2017-57, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, authorizing the use of unmanned aircraft systems.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by Staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to other than recommended by Staff; or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Refer to Staff for consideration of specific items.
AUTHORITY
City of Merced Charter Section 200
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
SHOPSABRE CNC and PEL Designs donation is consistent with the City Council's FY 17/18 priority of establishing a safer city.
DISCUSSION
With interest in UAS technology (Drones) from emergency first responders dramatically increasing, the Merced Police Department developed and implemented a SUAS (Small Unmanned Aerial Systems) program in October 2016. The division purchased two drones and is comprised of 13 members. The introduction of UAS devices for first responders support and enhance officer safety, preserve life and assist in the capture of criminals as well as gain access to aerial views of an incident.
The following procedures are intended to promote safe, efficient and lawful operation of the Merced Police Department unmanned aerial system (UAS). Safety, above all else, is the primary concern in each and every operation, regardless of the nature of the mission.
It shall be the mission of those personnel of the Merced Police Department who are trained in the use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), to use this resource to enhance the provision of life and property protection, utilizing...
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