Title
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drones)
Description
This report provides an update on the policy development and community engagement related to the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drones) program as well as an update on overall program implementation.
THIS ITEM IS FOR INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION.
Report
Summary
The Phoenix City Council voted on February 16, 2022 to approve moving forward with an Unmanned Aircraft System (drone) program with the stipulation that staff conduct community engagement meetings throughout the city where members of the public can provide feedback on the city's policies and procedures for drone usage before they are finalized.
The City of Phoenix sought public input on the new drone program for the Police, Fire and Parks and Recreation departments and held 15 community engagement meetings in March and April, conducting presentations on the city-wide program parameters as well as the specific uses in the Police, Fire and Parks and Recreation departments.
Policies were made available for review online including the city-wide Administrative Regulation which outlines the purpose and governance of the drone program as well as policy requirements focused on the privacy and safety of Phoenix residents, businesses, visitors, and the general public.
The Fire and Police departments have specific policies related to the use of drones by those departments. The Standard Operating Procedures for the Fire Department as well as the proposed Police Department's Operations Order for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Use Guidelines have also been made available for review in draft form.
Residents unable to attend meetings were also able to email comments to the City Manager's Office.
The feedback received during this process and an overview of the content of the final drafts of the policies will be presented to the subcommittee. The final drafts will also be posted online.
Once final policies are in place in June 2022, Phoenix will join more than 1,500 public safety agencies across the country and at least three dozen in Arizona using drone technology.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Lori Bays and the Fire, Police and Parks and Recreation Departments.