HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-09-18 Public Safety MinutesCity of Tukwila
City Council Public Safety Committee
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
Meeting Minutes
September 18, 2017 - 5:30 p.m. - Hazelnut Conference Room, City Hall
Councilmembers: Thomas McLeod, Chair; Joe Duffie, De'Sean Quinn
Staff: Jay Wittwer, Bruce Linton, Rachel Bianchi, Laurel Humphrey
CALL TO ORDER: Committee Chair McLeod called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
I. ANNOUNCEMENT
II. BUSINESS AGENDA
A. Tukwila Police Department Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program
Staff updated the Committee on the status of the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) pilot
program. The pilot was intended to determine wither UAS technology would benefit the City
and the Police Department's ability to save lives, protect property, and document scenes. The
pilot was initiated with the development of a policy and operations manual followed by
community outreach about the program. Eight officers received certification in May, and since
then, UAS have been involved in several police engagements. In one instance they were used to
assist Valley SWAT in conducting a high-risk search warrant at a location covered with heavy
vegetation. The UAS allowed officers to maintain an aerial perspective on the scene and the
operation resulted in recovery of weapons and arrests. The UAS team also assisted in mapping
two automobile accident scenes, with roadways being cleared in significantly less time than
usual. UAS were also used to assist Fire in a recent arson investigation. At this point in the pilot
program the Police Department believes the use of UAS to be valuable and cost-effective. Chair
McLeod inquired about challenges faced by the department. Special waivers due to proximity
to the airport airspace take time to process, but this is being resolved. Councilmember Quinn
asked if there have been any lessons learned that might impact the policy. The policy is proving
effective, but there have been practical matters to adjust, such as battering charging
procedures. Chair McLeod requested that the rest of the Council receive a copy of the report.
Staff intends to brief the Council again by the end of the year, at which a decision will be made
about the future of the program. DISCUSSION ONLY.
III. MISCELLANEOUS
Staff reported that five Fire Department members deployed to Georgia to assist with hurricane relief
have returned, and one member is still in Fort Lauderdale.
Adjourned 6:26 p.m.
Committee Chair Approval
Minutes by LH