AGENDA DATE: 3/1/2017
TITLE:
Title
Resolution to Authorize the County's Acceptance of Two Unmanned Aircraft Systems in Search and Rescue Operations
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Resolution to authorize the acceptance of two unmanned aircraft systems to be used by the Sheriff's Office in its search and rescue operations
ITEM TYPE: Consent Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Walker, Kamptner, Farley, Harding
PRESENTER (S): Sheriff Chip Harding
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Douglas C. Walker
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.
James R. Stone and Steve Trotta are offering to donate UASs that weigh approximately 3 pounds each without attachments 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 UASs in order for the aircrafts 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 UASs by law enforcement agencies to assist the agencies' search and rescue effor...
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