HomeMy WebLinkAboutReso 56-2024 (24-256)_ City of South San Francisco P.O. Box 711 (City Hall, 400
Grand Avenue)
City Council South San Francisco, CA
Resolution: RES 56-2024
File Number: 24-256 Enactment Number: RES 56-2024
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE USE OF $136,048.11 OF
POLICE ASSET FORFEITURE FUNDS TO PURCHASE
UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS IN CONJUNCTION WITH
AXON AIR
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 Commander and Pilot, who ensures compliance
with SSFPD policy as well as Federal Aviation Administration ("FAA") flight restrictions; and
WHEREAS, a top concern with any UAS program is privacy; and
WHEREAS, during the flight, the remote pilot takes all steps to ensure the camera is focused on areas
necessary for the mission and refrain from the collection of data concerning uninvolved persons or places; and
City of South San Francisco
File Number: 24-256 Enactment Number: RES 56-2024
WHEREAS, the FAA and SSFPD have strict rules and regulations as to when, where, how, and why a UAS
operation is permitted; and
WHEREAS, the UAS is not equipped with any weapons; and
WHEREAS, the SSFPD will purchase two UAS systems for outdoor operations, one UAS system for
extended outdoor operations (resistant to inclement weather), eleven indoor drones for interior operations only, and an
end -to -end solution for collecting and recording pilot data, flight data, and digital media evidence collection and
storage; and
WHEREAS, in coordination with the City Finance Department, the Chief of Police determines and
authorizes all expenditures from this account based on DEA regulations; and
WHEREAS, the purchase of $136,048.11 comes solely from the Police Asset Forfeiture Funds and there
will be no fiscal impact to the City's General Fund.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of South San Francisco does
hereby approve the purchase of $136,048.11 for Unmanned Aerial Systems.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of South San Francisco hereby authorizes
the City Manager to execute the purchase and any other documents on behalf of the City to carry out the intent of this
resolution, subject to approval as to form from the City Attorney.
At a meeting of the City Council on 4/10/2024, a motion was made by Councilmember Nicolas,
seconded by Councilmember Nagales, that this Resolution be approved. The motion passed.
Yes: 4 Mayor Coleman, Councilmember Addiego, Councilmember Nagales, and
Councilmember Nicolas
Absent: 1 Vice Ma or Flores
Attest by )t L=
sa Govea Acosta, City Clerk
City of South San Francisco