County, city form joint drone team

The City of San Marcos and Hays County will be combining their resources to form the Hays County Unmanned Robotics Team -- a team in charge of the operation of the city’s and county’s drones.

At its meeting Tuesday morning, the Hays County Commissioners Court approved an interlocal agreement with San Marcos for the creation of the Hays County Unmanned Robotics Team. The agenda noted that the team will allow the agencies to combine their resources, rather than working separately, to deploy small unmanned robotic systems, commonly known as drones, to assist in crime scene forensic collection, officer training, disaster response, tactical operations and other circumstances. 

The county applied for federal authorization to use drones last year. During her presentation to the commissioners then, county emergency services chief Kharley Smith noted that the drones would be used in emergency situations only. 

In March, the San Marcos City Council authorized the interlocal agreement creating the unmanned robotics team. San Marcos Police Chief Chase Stapp told the council that the agreement would allow the city to share the county’s certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration authorizing the use of drones. Stapp assured council members that the drones would not be used to invade people’s privacy.

“The protections of people’s constitutional rights is paramount to us,” he said. 

At its meeting Tuesday night, the San Marcos City Council approved the purchase of four drones and associated equipment for an amount not to exceed $65,000. The purchase will allow the city to participate in the Hays County Unmanned Robotics Team.