July 18, 2024
OPO Policy Recommendation for Addition to Austin Police Department's (APD) General Orders: Drone Policy
In this memo, the Office of Police Oversight recommends improving the Austin Police Department’s (APD) General Orders by creating a drone policy. Currently, APD does not have a drone policy. OPO believes it is essential for APD to develop a drone policy that is aligned with national best practices to enhance transparency within our community.
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P.O. BOX 1088, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78767
CITY
OFFICE OF
WWW.ATXPOLICEOVERSIGHT.ORG
POLICEOVERSIGHT@AUSTINTEXAS.GOV
POLICE OVERSIGHT
PHONE: 512.974.9090 I TTY: 711 | FAX: 512.974.6306
FOUNDED
1839
COMPLAINT HOTLINE: 512-972-20PO
July 18, 2024
Robin Henderson, Interim Chief of Police
Austin Police Department
715 E. 8th Street
Austin, TX 78701
RE: OPO Policy Recommendation for Addition to Austin Police Department's (APD) General
Orders
Dear Chief Henderson:
F
This memorandum recommends improvement to the Austin Police Department's (APD) General
Orders. During the Office of Police Oversight's quarterly Resolution 99 meeting on June 13th, a
community member requested clarification on APD's drone policy. Currently, APD does not have
a drone policy. The OPO believes it is essential for APD to develop a drone policy aligned with
national best practices to enhance transparency within our community.
We look forward to improving this policy for the benefit of the community and APD's sworn
personnel.
Sincerely,
Mccan
Gail McCant, Director
1839
Office of Police Oversight
OF
STUDENT
P.O. BOX 1088, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78767
CITY
OFFICE OF
WWW.ATXPOLICEOVERSIGHT.ORG
POLICEOVERSIGHT@AUSTINTEXAS.GOV
POLICE OVERSIGHT
PHONE: 512.974.9090 | TTY: 711 | FAX: 512.974.6306
FOUNDED
COMPLAINT HOTLINE: 512-972-20PO
Recommendation - Create New Policy
Recommendation #1:
OPO recommends that APD create a separate policy in the General Orders addressing the
department's use of drones (Unmanned Aerial Systems).
OPO analysis indicated that APD needs to create a separate policy that aligns with national best
practices and is consistent with other surveillance technologies, such as Automated License Place
Readers (ALPR), already outlined in the General Orders.
OPO recommends the policy include:
Definition of drone.
Authorized users, training requirements, and regulations.
APD's jurisdiction and authority to operate regarding drone use.
Access to data collected, storage, and data retention requirements.
Under what circumstances is drone use allowed (see Texas Government Code 423.)
UNDED
1839
P.O. BOX 1088, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78767
CITY
OFFICE OF
WWW.ATXPOLICEOVERSIGHT.ORG
POLICEOVERSIGHT@AUSTINTEXAS.GOV
POLICE OVERSIGHT
PHONE: 512.974.9090 I TTY: 711 | FAX: 512.974.6306
FOUNDED
1839
COMPLAINT HOTLINE: 512-972-20PO
July 18, 2024
Robin Henderson, Interim Chief of Police
Austin Police Department
715 E. 8th Street
Austin, TX 78701
RE: OPO Policy Recommendation for Addition to Austin Police Department's (APD) General
Orders
Dear Chief Henderson:
F
This memorandum recommends improvement to the Austin Police Department's (APD) General
Orders. During the Office of Police Oversight's quarterly Resolution 99 meeting on June 13th, a
community member requested clarification on APD's drone policy. Currently, APD does not have
a drone policy. The OPO believes it is essential for APD to develop a drone policy aligned with
national best practices to enhance transparency within our community.
We look forward to improving this policy for the benefit of the community and APD's sworn
personnel.
Sincerely,
Mccan
Gail McCant, Director
1839
Office of Police Oversight
OF
STUDENT
P.O. BOX 1088, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78767
CITY
OFFICE OF
WWW.ATXPOLICEOVERSIGHT.ORG
POLICEOVERSIGHT@AUSTINTEXAS.GOV
POLICE OVERSIGHT
PHONE: 512.974.9090 | TTY: 711 | FAX: 512.974.6306
FOUNDED
COMPLAINT HOTLINE: 512-972-20PO
Recommendation - Create New Policy
Recommendation #1:
OPO recommends that APD create a separate policy in the General Orders addressing the
department's use of drones (Unmanned Aerial Systems).
OPO analysis indicated that APD needs to create a separate policy that aligns with national best
practices and is consistent with other surveillance technologies, such as Automated License Place
Readers (ALPR), already outlined in the General Orders.
OPO recommends the policy include:
Definition of drone.
Authorized users, training requirements, and regulations.
APD's jurisdiction and authority to operate regarding drone use.
Access to data collected, storage, and data retention requirements.
Under what circumstances is drone use allowed (see Texas Government Code 423.)
UNDED
1839