La Plata, MD Police Drone Documents

To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to Maryland's Public Information Act ("PIA"), I herby request the following records:

1. any requests for proposals, proposals submitted by vendors, contracts, budgets or cost allocations for the purchase, research of and/or use of aerial drones, UAs, UAVs, and UASs (hereinafter “drones”);

2. any policies, guidelines, manuals and/or instructions on institutional use of drones, including on the legal process required (such as a warrant or court order), if any, before operating a drone;

3. any departmental records concerning this institution's use of and/or research of drones now or plans to use drones in the future including:

a. the types of investigations or instances in which this department is using or plans to use drones, or how it plans to support, manage or oversee the usage of drones by another department or office;

b. policies, guidelines, manuals and/or instructions on storage requirements or procedures for video or static images obtained through use of drones, including retention times;

c. the altitude at which drones can or do fly;

d. drones’ ability to carry weapons.

I also request that, if appropriate, fees be waived as I believe this request is in the public interest. The requested documents will be made available to the general public free of charge as part of the public information service at MuckRock.com, processed by a representative of the news media/press and is made in the process of news gathering and not for commercial usage.

In the event that fees cannot be waived, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 30 business days, as the statute requires.

Sincerely,

Shawn Musgrave

Hello,

Thank you for your quick response to my previous records request. It has been reported that the La Plate Police Department purchased a UAV (a CyberBug) in 2005. Here is one article: http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/02/the_drone_that_time_forgot_small_towns_uav_gathers_dust.php

Please confirm whether the La Plate Police Department owns a UAV, and, if it does, whether any documents exist regarding the purchase and use of this equipment, as outlined in my request.

Best,
Shawn Musgrave