Title
Resolution authorizing the use of $136,048.11 of Police Asset Forfeiture Funds to purchase Unmanned Aerial Systems in conjunction with Axon Air
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WHEREAS, the City of South San Francisco ("City") recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the Police Department to purchase Unmanned Aerial Systems ("UAS"); and
WHEREAS, the South San Francisco Police Department ("SSFPD") will provide the highest level of service based on trust and transparency; and
WHEREAS, UAS is often referred to as a drone which is controlled remotely from the ground and may be used as an aerial observations platform to enhance the efficiency and safety of police operations; and
WHEREAS, utilization of UAS during an area search can reduce the time needed to search an area, reduce resources, minimize the impact on the public, and with an aerial view, enhance officer safety without placing officers at risk while increasing public safety; and
WHEREAS, drone technology has improved significantly over the last several years, making the use of this equipment an increasingly essential part of law enforcement operations; and
WHEREAS, over the past year, SSFPD has requested assistance from outside agencies 30 times, 27 of which were requests for UAS assistance; and
WHEREAS, the system includes automated tracking of pilot, aircraft, flight logs, and live streaming for situational awareness, which increases the opportunities for de-escalation; and
WHEREAS, the use of Axon Air will allow for integration with other Axon camera systems, where all video evidence recorded will upload and can be easily transmitted for discovery purposes; and
WHEREAS, the integration of video storage from Body Worn Cameras, In-Car Cameras, and UAS provides a time efficient and cost-effective solution for data storage; and
WHEREAS, all UAS operations are conducted by personnel who have received the required training and certification; and
WHEREAS, flights are approved in advance by the UAS Comman...
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