Authorizing the Committee on Public Safety to conduct hearings regarding the use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems, also known as drones, as an additional law enforcement tool that would enhance public safety in the City of Philadelphia.

WHEREAS, Unmanned Aircraft Systems, also known as drones, are systems that can be remotely controlled or relies on software for autonomous flight; and

WHEREAS, In recent years, drones have emerged as a viable public safety tool across the United States; and

WHEREAS, Currently, there are approximately 1,200 police departments across the United States that use drones in some capacity; and

WHERAS, Oklahoma City began using drones in 2020 which increased police presence amid low staffing numbers and have seen a decrease in violent crimes in year to year comparisons; and

WHEREAS, The Sherriff’s office in York County, Pa. established a “Drone Unit” in 2022 and offers support to all municipalities within York County; and

WHEREAS, Since 2018, law enforcement in Dauphin County, Pa. have utilized drones to aid in investigations, searches, and evidence gathering; and

WHEREAS, The Pennsylvania State Police also utilizes 23 drones in potentially violent confrontations and collection of crime scene data; and

WHEREAS, on November 18, 2018, the Philadelphia Police Department issued Directive 4.24 which stated that the Department would utilize drones to enhance public safety, but it is currently unclear how these drones have been used; and

WHEREAS, Public safety demands requires the City to explore the use of additional public safety measures; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That the Committee on Publix Safety is authorized to hold hearings regarding the use of drones as an additional law enforcement tool that would enhance public safety in the City of Philadelphia.

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