Published on April 21, 2023
Media Contact: Sue Romero Communications Program Coordinator sromero@kirklandwa.gov (425) 587-3017
The City of Kirkland announces a trial program for an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), also known as drones, for use by the City’s Fire, Police and Public Works departments. Primary use for the unmanned aircraft will be to help save lives by enhancing our land and water search and rescue capabilities, and documenting and monitoring emergency incidents. Other benefits include community education, project monitoring, and assessment of our public works construction projects.
“Before the Council approved this one-year trial program in 2022, we wanted to ensure that we balanced public health and safety needs with the privacy and other constitutionally protected rights of our community members,” said Councilmember Jon Pascal. “This technology has the potential to significantly assist our life saving efforts and provide other benefits to our community, and I’m excited for the City to deploy this new tool.”
The City is in the final stages of its implementation plan for the UAS trial program and anticipates the program to be ready to fly aircraft in the next month or so.
See more information about the Unmanned Aircraft System trial program.
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