Exploring Drone Usage in Tacoma: Regulations, Legislation, and Applications
Discussing the front end of the drone issue in Tacoma, covering prohibited locations, legislative developments, FAA operational requirements, and the use of drones as first responders. The content delves into privacy concerns, operational restrictions, and the various applications of drones in law enforcement and emergency situations, highlighting their potential benefits and challenges.
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Presentation Transcript
Drones in Tacoma A discussion on the front end of the issue
WAC 172-110-070 Prohibited locations for use of drones and model aircraft. The use of drones and model aircraft is prohibited in areas where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy in accordance with accepted social norms. These areas include, but are not limited to, restrooms, locker rooms, in and around residential buildings or facilities, individual residential rooms, changing or dressing rooms, health treatment rooms, campus daycare facilities, and university offices and work areas. Drones and model aircraft may not be used to monitor or record institutional or personal information which may be found, for example, on computer or other electronic displays.
2013 Legislature Bill The Washington state bill would have required police to get warrants for drone surveillance and to delete imagery of people not targeted. The bill also creates broad exceptions for emergencies. (KIRO TV) Governor Inslee vetoed.
FAA Operations Requirements Must operate below 400 Feet (Most operations ~50 Feet) Must have an FAA Part 107 certified operator or supervisor if an unlicensed operator is using the platform Must be less than 55 lbs Must give way to other aircraft Must have ATC Permission in McChord Airspace (Surface to 2500 FT) Must ALWAYS be in line of sight of the operator
Drones as First Responder Started in Chula Vista, CA. 1% of police departments nationwide are already doing it Currently required to be within the line of site of the operator Agencies are pushing for beyond line of sight (248 agencies) Started in 2012 with Federal authorization of up to 10,000 police UAS nationwide. WSP largest operator of drone fleet (Over 100 drones)
Drones as First Responder II Drones can: Do search and rescue Identify location of humans hidden (visual and infrared) Follow persons Surveil crowds Record video of activities (in some cases, upload into existing video evidence databases) Provide an overview of barricade/SWAT situations Be an alternative to an officer exposing themselves to danger
Other Uses of UAS Crime Scene reconstruction -Traffic collisions -Major crimes scenes -Search and Rescue -Marine Operations -Child Abduction Response -Elderly / juvenile missing persons
Operational Use of UAS Operations K9 tracks SWAT response Felony crime in progress Domestic Violence crime where there is a danger to the victim De-escalation / Communications if equipped with speaker/mic
Citizen Concerns 4thAmendment Unreasonable Search Looking in windows Reading computer screens Including video of persons not connected with search warrant Unlawful tracking of individual protesters in crowds Public Disclosure of video/Retention of video Use of Reasonable Suspicion vs Probable Cause Facial Recognition/Reporting Inappropriate Use
Considerations No specific policy recommendations at this time. Subject came up in routine discussion of Policy Subcommittee and thought a report out was appropriate. City of Tacoma has a drone use ordinance for civilians Drones are Prohibited in Tacoma Parks In Tacoma, Ordinance 28615 prohibits the use of drones in parks. In order to fly a drone in a park managed by Metro Parks Tacoma, you must receive prior permission from the Parks Director. At this time a public request process is still being developed by Metro Parks.
