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City of Tukwila <br />City Council Public Safety Committee <br />PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE <br />Meeting Minutes <br />September 18, 2017 - 5:30 p.m. - Hazelnut Conference Room, City Hall <br />Councilmembers: Thomas McLeod, Chair; Joe Duffie, De'Sean Quinn <br />Staff: Jay Wittwer, Bruce Linton, Rachel Bianchi, Laurel Humphrey <br />CALL TO ORDER: Committee Chair McLeod called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. <br />I. ANNOUNCEMENT <br />II. BUSINESS AGENDA <br />A. Tukwila Police Department Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program <br />Staff updated the Committee on the status of the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) pilot <br />program. The pilot was intended to determine wither UAS technology would benefit the City <br />and the Police Department's ability to save lives, protect property, and document scenes. The <br />pilot was initiated with the development of a policy and operations manual followed by <br />community outreach about the program. Eight officers received certification in May, and since <br />then, UAS have been involved in several police engagements. In one instance they were used to <br />assist Valley SWAT in conducting a high-risk search warrant at a location covered with heavy <br />vegetation. The UAS allowed officers to maintain an aerial perspective on the scene and the <br />operation resulted in recovery of weapons and arrests. The UAS team also assisted in mapping <br />two automobile accident scenes, with roadways being cleared in significantly less time than <br />usual. UAS were also used to assist Fire in a recent arson investigation. At this point in the pilot <br />program the Police Department believes the use of UAS to be valuable and cost-effective. Chair <br />McLeod inquired about challenges faced by the department. Special waivers due to proximity <br />to the airport airspace take time to process, but this is being resolved. Councilmember Quinn <br />asked if there have been any lessons learned that might impact the policy. The policy is proving <br />effective, but there have been practical matters to adjust, such as battering charging <br />procedures. Chair McLeod requested that the rest of the Council receive a copy of the report. <br />Staff intends to brief the Council again by the end of the year, at which a decision will be made <br />about the future of the program. DISCUSSION ONLY. <br />III. MISCELLANEOUS <br />Staff reported that five Fire Department members deployed to Georgia to assist with hurricane relief <br />have returned, and one member is still in Fort Lauderdale. <br />Adjourned 6:26 p.m. <br />Committee Chair Approval <br />Minutes by LH <br />