Portland Police Bureau asks to expand its drone program

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The Portland Police Bureau will ask the Portland City Council Wednesday to spend $98,000 on new equipment and training, which will allow the bureau to expand its drone program to all precincts and patrol shifts.

The funding for the bureau’s “unmanned aerial system” program will not improve staffing levels, but could decrease investigative costs, PPB’s request states. Increased drone use could also free up officers that would otherwise respond to specific calls.

“The Police Bureau understands that large or active crime scenes can have a devastating effect on the community,” PPB’s request states. “Closures due to police activity impact communities monetarily and can be invasive and anxiety-inducing. Portland Police Bureau would like to implement an expansion of their UAS program to all precincts to proactively counter this impact.”

According to city code, drones are considered controlled equipment, which requires council approval for purchase. The added costs will be paid for with asset forfeiture funds from PPB’s Special Revenue fund.

PPB’s monthly drone activity is tracked and published on the city’s website. According to the data, PPB most commonly uses its drones for “exigent” responses, traffic collisions and search warrants.

"Exigent circumstances exist when there is probable cause for a search or seizure, and police need to act swiftly to prevent danger to life, the imminent destruction of evidence, or a suspect’s escape," city code states.

The Portland City Council will consider the proposed ordinance on Aug. 27 during its scheduled council meeting.