1 memorandum
DATE: December 17, 2023
DEPT.: Police
SUBJECT: Community Outreach and Public Engagement – DFR and UAS
Community Outreach and Public Communication
In 2022 and 2023, the Police Department provided information to a variety of groups, community leaders and members of the public about Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Drone as First Responder (DFR). Below is a summary of communication, outreach, notification and engagement.
• April 19, 2022: City Council, during a regular meeting open for public comment, approved “military equipment” use, policy and City ordinance inclusive of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) commonly described as drones.
• September 12 & 14, 2022: City Council members were provided general information on the concept of DFR. FPD informed City Council of our intent to move forward with a Public Safety (Fremont PD and Fremont FD) DFR Pilot Program (proof of concept). • October 8, 2022: FPD hosted a Community Safety Fair and included information and a presentation on drones. Discussions related to a proposed DFR Pilot Program was initiated with members of our community.
• December 20, 2022: City Council, during a regular meeting open for public comment, approved an amendment to the Military Equipment Use Policy for the purchase of additional UAS and other equipment utilizing grant funding. To ensure compliance with GC 7071(c)(1), the amendment also clarified the use of UAS in partnership with the Fremont Fire Department.
• March 29, 2023: As required by GC 7072(b), FPD held a Military Equipment Community Presentation which included information on the department’s UAS (drones) and our intent to further develop a DFR Program.
• April 3, 2023: A detailed presentation and overview of DFR Program was conducted for the Chief’s Community Advisory Board. Feedback solicited from this diverse group of representatives within our community.
• May 2, 2023: City Council, during a regular meeting open for public comment, approved the annual review of “military equipment” possessed and utilized by FPD. FPD’s Military Equipment Annual Report was reviewed by Council as required by GC 7072. • May/June 2023: City Council members were provided information on the outcome of the DFR Pilot Program and our desire to move forward with full implementation of this program with Fremont Fire.
• June/July 2023: Multiple social media post on the Public Safety DFR initiative inviting the Fremont Community to attend an upcoming in-person presentation and offer feedback. • July 29, 2023: DFR Community (Public) Presentation. One-hour in-person presentation open to all members of our community.
• July 29, 2023: Presentation and display of drones at a “health fair”. DFR discussed with the community members.
P o l i c e D e p a r t m e n t
2 • July 2023: FPD proactively contacted the ACLU requesting a meeting to discuss our intent to deploy DFR.
• August 1, 2023: DFR discussed during National Night Out with members of our community. • August 12, 2023: A detailed presentation and overview of the DFR Program was conducted for the Chief’s Youth Advisory Board. Feedback solicited from this diverse group of individuals representing the youth within our community. • August 17, 2023: Commanders from Fremont PD and Fremont Fire met with the ACLU to discuss the program and obtain their perspective.
• November 15, 2023: DFR Community (Public) Presentation. One-hour “hybrid” (in-person and on-line) presentation open to all members of our community. Solicited feedback from our community.
• November 29, 2023: DFR Community (Public) Presentation. One-hour “hybrid” (in-person and on-line) presentation open to all members of our community. Solicited feedback from our community.
• November 30, 2023: KCBS Radio news coverage https://omny.fm/shows/kcbsam-on- demand/fremont-to-fly-more-drones-in-the-city-to-act-as-f
In addition to the above list, FPD participated in dozens of less formal community meetings and events providing additional opportunities for engagement and discussion the DFR Program. In 2022 and 2023, information regarding the DFR Program was communicated to our community utilizing a variety of sources such as social media, FPD website, press-release information, etc. The Fremont community has expressed overwhelming support for the DFR program in support of public safety objectives. We have received little or no concern or negative feedback during our informal and formal engagement sessions and meetings.