Title
Review of Unmanned Aerial Systems (aka Drones) Policies
Body
During the FY19 Budget Hearings, a question arose regarding a request to purchase an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS, more commonly known by members of the public as a drone). The ensuing discussion resulted in a request for staff to develop and present to Council a policy regarding any County-owned drone use.
At present the County owns three drones (within the Community and Public Relations Office, Traffic and Streets Division, and Community Development Department). Several other departments/divisions have considered the utilization of drones and their potential for enhanced delivery of services and/or mitigation of safety conerns.
The Traffic Division staff own and use a UAS for traffic management. For example, the UAS is used for mapping and for overhead photographs, primarily at or around intersections for the layout of new signals, signage or striping.
The Communications and Public Relations staff own and use a UAS - most often to capture video footage of events that can be used in publications or social media videos to promote Los Alamos. Two recent examples: 1) the UAS was lifted up to take an aerial photo of the brand after it was applied to the intersection of 15th and Central; 2) the UAS was lifted up at the parking lot of the Justice Center to take a photo of an event at Ashley Pond Park.
CDD staff is interested in utilizing their UAS to better facilitate roof inspections. The UAS could be safely lifted up to do an aerial inspection, rather than having an inspector climbing up on the roof.
The Fire Department is interested in using a UAS for emergency response. Examples of use include: finding missing persons, search and rescue missions in canyons and forested areas, hazardous material incidents, or fire ground support.
The Police Department is interested in using a UAS to assist them in operations. Examples include: observation of a crime scene, assisting in a search for a fleei...
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