HomeMy WebLinkAboutPS 2018-08-20 Item 2A - Funding - Request to Spend Justice Assistance Grant for Unmanned Aircraft SystemCity of Tukwila
Allan Ekberg, Mayor
INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM
TO: Public Safety Council Committee
FROM: Bruce Linton, Chief of Police
CC: Mayor Ekberg
DATE: August 10, 2018
SUBJECT: Request to spend Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) funds to purchase
unfunded Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS).
ISSUE
Addressing the need to fund an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) capable of operating in light
rain.
BACKGROUND
The Tukwila UAS program has been very successful in demonstrating the efficiencies of
mapping accident and crime scenes in record times, thereby reducing the time officers spend
manually re -constructing some of the more complex incidents. With all the recognized success,
the persistent precipitation (drizzle) associated with the Western Washington topography, has
presented a challenge for most small UAS technologies on the market. These unmanned aerial
vehicles do not operate in the light rain that we experience in our environment.
ANALYSIS
Advances in technology are rapidly improving and the industry has provided solutions to
address some of the challenging conditions experienced by public safety when addressing our
need to operate in challenging weather environments. The DJI Matrice Series is one of those
technologies that will allow us to operate in the predominant conditions of light drizzle because
of its IP46 rating. This new technology will increase our efficiency by allowing our Remote Pilots
to operate in our predominant weather during the winter months. The cost of the Matrice 210
First Responder Aerial Kit has been quoted at $10,500. This UAS has been unfunded;
however, monies from a Justice Assistance Grant are available to support the purchase.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no financial impact to the police department budget. There is no matching requirement
for the expenditure of JAG funds. JAG funds in the amount of $11,550 (tax included) will fully
support this purchase.
RECOMMENDATION
The committee is being asked to approve the use of $10,500 in JAG funds to purchase a DJI
Matrice 210 UAS to support inclement weather operations.
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