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The Birmingham City Council on Tuesday authorized the police chief to finalize an agreement establishing a drone program for his department.
The measure allows Chief Michael Pickett to fill out documents required by the Federal Aviation Administration “for operation of small, unmanned aircraft systems by and on behalf of the city of Birmingham.”
In March, the city approved a three-year, $1.5 million agreement with Huntsville-based Skyfire AI Inc. for the Drone as a First Responder program. Officials said the drones will quickly provide life-saving information to officers responding to emergency calls. Birmingham leaders last year approved a two-year pilot program with Skyfire that included 16 drones and related equipment.
The City Council also voted Oct. 20 to establish fines of up to $500 for unauthorized civilian drone operations near ticketed events, such as concerts and sporting events.
That measure follows an Alabama state law that took effect Oct. 1, providing the legal framework for municipalities to enforce these restrictions.
During Tuesday’s meeting, Councilor Darrell O’Quinn clarified that the fines do not apply to operators with proper FAA documentation. He noted that during this year’s Magic City Classic, licensed operators were incorrectly told they could not fly drones at the event.
“We just need to make sure our law enforcement officers are aware of that. For those individuals they encounter who do have the proper documentation, they need to leave them alone,” O’Quinn said.
City attorney Nicole King said her office would speak with police officials to confirm the department will enforce the regulations correctly.
