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Title:
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Unmanned Aircraft System (Drones) Update
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Title
Unmanned Aircraft System (Drones) Update
Description
The report provides the Public Safety and Justice Subcommittee an update on the City’s current Public Safety Unmanned Aircraft System programs for the Police, Fire and Parks and Recreation departments.
THIS ITEM IS FOR INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION.
Report
Summary
The City of Phoenix has approved the use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) for both the Police and Fire Departments. The integration of this UAS technology is designed to enhance public safety by providing first responders with the tools they need.
Fire
The Phoenix Fire Department implemented a new UAS ("drone") program in June 2022. As the first, formally approved UAS program for the City of Phoenix, it was anticipated that the Department’s program would enhance emergency operations, increase safety, and allow staff to be more effective. Additionally, the program would begin to establish standards for future UAS programs for other City Departments.
This report provides an update on the success that has been achieved in the first six months of the Fire Department’s UAS program as it relates to the development, implementation, initial operations, collaboration, and how the Department intends to expand the program into the future.
As of Dec. 1, 2022, the program has successfully completed 411 total flights (includes training), totaling over 65.7 hours. The Department focused its initial deployment of this technology to the areas of structure and brush fires, and mountain rescues, flying 35 emergency incidents in the first 150 days in service. The Fire Department provided a “Daily Drone Report” for the first 90 days in service and has transitioned to a weekly report and monthly reviews. The UAS deployments are also reported in the Fire Department’s Daily Activity Report that is shared with City leadership.
The implementation of UAS into emergency operations has proven to be beneficial to the Fire Department’s mission of providing the highest level of public safety services to the community.
Police
On Oct. 19, 2022, the UAS Executive Committee, which includes City staff and two community members, convened to review and approve the Police Department's UAS Policy. The Policy was approved unanimously by the UAS Executive Committee.
On Nov. 7, 2022, the Phoenix Police Department officially implemented their UAS program. The Department has selected pilots and provided comprehensive hands-on flight training prior to program implementation. The Department has identified three key focus areas for the deployment of UAS technology to support police operations:
Investigative Support (crime scene mapping, photos, etc.)
Event Management (planned/unplanned events, parades, etc.)
Tactical Support (tactical scenarios, barricades, active-large scale incidents)
Between Nov. 7, 2022 and Nov. 28, 2022, the Police Department has deployed UAS flight teams 15 times in support of the following areas of operation:
5 - Investigative Support
1 - Event Management
8 -Tactical Scene Support
1 - Flight defined as “other”
A total of 13 deployments occurred during business hours (7a.m. - 5p.m.) and two deployments were after hour callouts. Each deployment has been successfully executed and provided the Department and the community with an enhanced level of public safety. No safety or critical issues have been identified.
Parks and Recreation
Parks and Recreation staff are currently drafting the department's UAS operating procedures with the intent to implement their program in 2023. Once finalized, the policies will be reviewed and approved by the Technical Security and Privacy Subcommittee then by the UAS Executive Committee. The Parks and Recreation Department's intended uses are related to the management of the Mountain Preserves, including train inspection, cultural resource management, as well as the monitoring of invasive species and trash.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Lori Bays and the Police, Fire, and Parks and Recreation departments.