A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Surveillance Technology Impact Report (STIR)

SURVEILLANCE TECHNOLOGY IMPACT REPORT Department: Police Division or Unit (if applicable): Tactical Operations and Traffic Enforcement Submitted by: Commissioner Christine Elow Date: Surveillance Technology: Remotely Piloted Aerial Vehicle (RPA) 1. Describe how the proposed Surveillance Technology will work, including how it will collect Surveillance Data. • Remotely Piloted Aerial Vehicle (RPA), which will be equipped with infrared cameras, will capture images and videos with high-resolution cameras including thermal images and heat signatures. This is useful for night-time or low-light search and rescue operations. • The videos or pictures will be stored on an SD card (SIM card). • RPA will not record audio. However, a small speaker can be attached to an RPA to give verbal commands or instructions. • All collected data will be stored as required by the CJIS security policy and the municipal records retention schedule. 2. What is the purpose of the Surveillance Technology? • Traffic Accident Investigation: RPA can document traffic accident scenes, providing accurate data for investigation. The Accident Investigator assigned to the Traffic Enforcement Unit would be able to map serious car crashes and accidents. The Massachusetts State Police (MSP) accident reconstruction team uses RPA to take pictures and measurements of fatal motor vehicle crashes. The use of RPA for this has become an industry standard. • The Explosive Ordinance Division (EOD) could utilize a RPA to get an aerial view of a potentially explosive or suspicious package. Currently, the EOD Unit utilizes robots that roll on the ground and only offer a two-dimensional view. The aerial view would provide a much better perspective and situational awareness. • An RPA will de-escalate tactical situations and enhance officer safety. Now, the Special Response Team (SRT) utilizes a remote-controlled robot that is thrown into a room to give the team a visual perspective before entry is made. To do this the SRT team must enter a residence, building, or structure. This could potentially escalate an individual who is suffering from a mental health crisis or is under the influence of mind-altering narcotics. The RPA could be deployed into one of these structures without ever exposing an officer to a potential use-of-force situation. Also, an RPA can be used in small, confined spaces. The use of RPA by SRTs is becoming an industry standard. • Aid in the search for missing and lost people.

• RPA are useful tools for aiding in safety measures at large-scale events by providing visual coverage of densely populated public events, such as parades and festivals. • RPA can capture aerial photographs and videos of crime scenes, providing investigators with detailed visual documentation. This helps in reconstructing events and gathering crucial evidence 3. Where will the Surveillance Technology be deployed? When? • Throughout the City when the Department determines the deployment of an RPA to be useful during an investigation or as a safety measure (i.e. serious motor vehicle crashes, suspicious package calls, dignitary visits, critical incidents including barricaded subjects, large-scale or significant events, etc.). 4. What privacy impact will the Surveillance Technology have? • Images and videos from the air would be captured through the use of high-resolution cameras. Many of these images would be from public air space no higher than 400 feet. Also, the RPA cannot be out of sight of the pilot. All flights must have a flight log that is available for inspection by the FAA. • Some imaging and video would be used in a private residence during a critical incident such as a barricaded individual. • The data will be saved on an SD card/ memory card • Data will not be saved unless it is needed for a criminal investigation, court prosecution, or training purposes. • If the data is needed for a criminal investigation or court prosecution the SD card will be submitted to the property office and the department’s evidence policy will be followed. • Other Law Enforcement agencies will not have access to the data unless it is needed for a criminal investigation, court prosecution, public safety emergency, or officer safety. • The RPA will not utilize facial recognition technology • There will be no weapons attached to the RPA. 5. What are the fiscal costs of Surveillance Technology, including initial cost, ongoing maintenance and personnel costs, and source of funds? • Federal Funds through the UASI program would purchase some or all of the equipment. • City funds for any equipment that is not reimbursable by Federal Grants. • Cost per unit is between $1,000 to $15,000 depending on capability and intended use. • $170.00 for a pilot's license per officer. A recertification with the FAA every 2 years with a $30.00 fee. • $5.00 registration fee for each drone registered with the FAA. In City Council February 3, 2025.