SR 10-24-2023 5B
City Council
Report
City Council Meeting: October 24, 2023
Agenda Item: 5.B
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To: Mayor and City Council
From: Ramon Batista, Police Chief, Police Department
Subject: Approval to add Da-Jiang Innovations Mavic 3 Enterprise and Da-Jiang
Innovations Avata UAV to the City's List of Military Equipment
Recommended Action
Staff recommends:
1. Adopt a finding of no possibility of significant effect pursuant to Section
15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) of the California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA) Guidelines; and
2. Approval of adding a Da-Jiang Innovations (“DJI”) Mavic 3 Enterprise Uncrewed
Aerial Vehicle (“UAV”), herein referred to as DJI Mavic 3, and a DJI Avata UAV,
herein referred to as DJI Avata, to the City’s current inventory of existing UAV’s.
Summary
California Assembly Bill (AB) 481 requires law enforcement agencies within the state to
establish a Military Equipment Use Policy and to obtain approval from their respective
governing body for their use of military equipment. Under AB 481 and the City’s Military
Use Policy, the Da-Jiang Innovations (DJI) Science and Technology Co., Ltd. Mavic 3
(Model) and the DJI Avata (Model) are “military equipment” and the Department’s use of
this equipment requires approval by the City Council.
Discussion
The Santa Monica Police Department currently uses a Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle (UAV)
for scene documentation that is multi-functional but not specially designed for aerial
mapping. The DJI Mavic 3 and its camera systems are designed with mapping and
surveying capabilities as its primary function. The DJI Avata will primarily serve for flight
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inside of structures to locate persons in crisis and reduce the likelihood of an encounter
with police.
As a premier law enforcement agency always striving to be a benchmark for excellence,
the Santa Monica Police Department continually reviews its tactics, training, technology,
and equipment with the goal of improvement. As part of this goal, UAV personnel are
tasked with exploring aerial mapping platforms to improve the Department’s mapping
capability to document serious traffic accidents, crime scenes, and other sensitive
scenes that require investigation. Additionally, UAV personnel are tasked with finding a
UAV that is capable of interior flight to contact and de-escalate persons in crisis. Part of
this process was the re-evaluation of the Department’s standard multi-function UAV
platforms and an evaluation of available products in this developing field.
The re-evaluation process identified the DJI Mavic 3 as a desirable platform to
accomplish the mapping and scene documentation function, along with the DJI Avata to
conduct interior building searches. The DJI Mavic 3 Multispectral UAV is a small but
powerful device designed for the high precision task of mapping and surveying. This
foldable UAV comes with a multispectral and an RGB camera that provides detailed
colored imaging for comprehensive documentation. With its capability to survey large
areas each flight, the DJI Mavic 3 enables swift and broad scene data collection. A
notable feature is its long battery life of 43 minutes and the omnidirectional obstacle
avoidance system, ensuring safe and prolonged aerial operations.
Reviews of the DJI Avata highlight its nimbleness in tight spaces, intuitive flight control,
wide-angle camera field of view, and obstacle avoidance features make it safer and
easier to fly. The DJI Avata UAV is a small but powerful device designed for the high-
precision task of interior flight. It will assist in search and rescue and de-escalation.
This UAV comes with the ability to stream and capture 4K digital video, providing
comprehensive on-scene awareness and evidence retention. With its capability to
safely fly in small spaces, ruggedized propeller guards, and self-correcting features, this
platform is a multi-role UAV that will increase public safety.
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AB 481’s disclosure requirements mandate that the Department provide a description
for each qualifying military equipment item, its purpose and authorized use, the related
fiscal impact, and any required training prior to its use. Pursuant to AB 481 and to the
City’s Military Equipment Use Policy, staff request that the Council approve the
Department’s use of the equipment listed in this report and that such equipment be
added to the Santa Monica Police Department Military Equipment Inventory List.
Environmental Review
The amendment to the military equipment inventory list proposed herein is categorically
exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) of the
CEQA Guidelines, which state that CEQA does not apply, “where it can be seen with
certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant
effect on the environment.” The amendment will allow the SMPD to use scene
documentation equipment for its continued operations. Therefore, it can be seen with
certainty that the amendment will not result in adverse physical impacts on
the environment, and as such, is categorically exempt from CEQA.
Past Council Actions
Meeting Date Description
09/27/22 (attachment
A)
Adoption of an Ordinance Approving the Military Equipment
Use Policy.
Financial Impacts and Budget Actions
There is no immediate financial impact or budget action necessary as a result of the
recommended action. Staff will return to Council if specific budget actions are required
in the future.
Equipment Cost
DJI Mavic 3 $4,608.65
DJI Avata $2,255.49
Total Cost $6,864.14
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Prepared By: Cody Green, Police Lieutenant
Approved
Forwarded to Council
Attachments:
A. Staff Report - 9.27.2022 (Web Link)
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