AGENDA DATE: 7/6/2016
TITLE:
Title
Resolution to Authorize the County's Acceptance of an Unmanned Aircraft System in Search and Rescue Operations
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Resolution to authorize the acceptance of an unmanned aircraft system to be used by the Sheriff's Office in its search and rescue operations
ITEM TYPE: Regular Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Foley, Letteri, Kamptner, Blair, Harding
PRESENTER (S): Sheriff Chip Harding
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Thomas C. Foley
BACKGROUND: In recent years, the use and ownership of unmanned aircraft systems ("UAS") in the United States has substantially grown. On December 21, 2015, the Federal Aviation Administration (the "FAA") required all UAS owners to register their aircraft with the FAA by February 19, 2016. Over 325,000 individuals registered their UASs with the FAA, eclipsing the 320,000 airplanes registered with the FAA.
As UAS ownership has expanded, the potential uses for the aircraft have also broadened. UASs are utilized by both private and public sector entities for a variety of activities, including but not limited to, deliveries, photography, training, farming, mapping, and surveying.
Mr. David King, a founder of King Family Vineyards, is offering to donate a UAS that weighs 2.83 pounds to the Albemarle County Sheriff's Office (the "Sheriff") to assist the Sheriff's search and rescue capabilities. Federal regulations require that the County own the UAS in order for the aircraft to receive a public use Certificate of Authorization from the FAA.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Goal 7. Operational Capacity: Ensure County government's ability to provide high quality service that achieves community priorities.
DISCUSSION: The Sheriff's Search and Rescue Division performs search and rescue functions for missing persons cases in the County. Virginia Code ? 19.2-60.1 permits the use of UAS by law enforcement agencies to assist the agencies' search and rescue efforts during Amber Al...
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