Council to take action to ratify and approve the submission of a $525,000 Phoenix Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) application through the Arizona Department of Homeland Security for the purchase

4.H
CITY OF BUCKEYE
Regular Council Meeting
COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
MEETING DATE: 04/07/26
AGENDA ITEM: 4.H. FIN - Urban Area
Security Initiative Grant Application -
Fiscal Year 2025 Buckeye Police
Department Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
System
DATE PREPARED: 04/08/26
DISTRICT NO.:
STAFF LIAISON: Rob Roach, Grant Program and Procurement Manager,
rroach@buckeyeaz.gov, (623) 349-6165
DEPARTMENT: Financial Services
AGENDA ITEM TYPE: Consent Agenda
Items / New Business
ACTION/MOTION: (This language identifies the formal motion to be made by the Council) 
Council to take action to ratify and approve the submission of a $525,000 Phoenix Urban Area Security
Initiative (UASI) application through the Arizona Department of Homeland Security for the purchase of
seven Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAVs) systems to increase response time for public safety personnel
when responding to and/or preventing emergency events. 
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR THE STRATEGIC PLAN FOCUS AREAS: 
Innovative and High Performing Organizations
SUMMARY
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The Buckeye Police Department (BPD) is requesting seven (7) unmanned UAVs to enhance first
responder safety as well as public safety in the prevention of and in response to emergency events. The
seven UAVs are required and necessary to conduct terrorist and mass catastrophic event response
activities including the identification of explosive devices. The requested UAVs have advanced wide
cameras with zoom functionality and thermal capability to aid in identifying potential threats. The use of
UAVs by BPD personnel improves the capability to identify and assess emergency situations or potential
threats to reduce the risk of injury or death when responding to dangerous calls. UAVs can be deployed
rapidly to aid in search-and-rescue calls and deliver life-saving supplies to stranded individuals. The
UAVs can gather information and intelligence before the deployment of personnel which can be analyzed
and shared across jurisdictions to assist in forming plans of action. In addition to the 642 square miles
that contain the rapidly growing population of the City of Buckeye, Buckeye Police Department is called
upon to assist other jurisdictions. If awarded, Buckeye Police will re-assess the equipment to be
purchased depending upon the requirements of the grantor and availability of products in the United
States, including replacement components. 
The grant references fiscal year 2025 because the funds were allocated during the federal fiscal year of
2025.
BENEFITS:
UAVs can be maneuvered quickly, and the operator will be able to relay information to the responding
personnel The UAVs will be utilized during events that draw large crowds. The City of Buckeye hosts two
large events annually--the Buckeye Air Fair and the Buckeye Marathon. The use of UAVs ensures that
BPD is prepared should a hazardous event or threat present itself. 
The ability to effectively and safely assess an emergency without placing first responders in potentially
dangerous environments will benefit the multi-jurisdictional response efforts. In 2024, BPD provided

mutual aid in 1,188 incidents for service within Buckeye and neighboring jurisdictions. Calls for service
include emergency responses and response readiness for potential terrorist and mass catastrophic
events such as the Super Bowl, visiting dignitaries and soft targets.
The proposed UAVs can also be integrated into the BPD's Real-Time Information Center, as well as the
West Valley Real-Time Crime Center which includes Avondale, Glendale, Surprise, Tolleson and
Wickenburg.
FUTURE ACTION:
Once all grant funds have been expended, further expenses will become part of the BPD budget and will
be funded annually from the City's General Fund.
FINANCIAL IMPACT STATEMENT:
$525,000 in grant funds with no anticipated matching funds from the City of Buckeye.
CURRENT FISCAL YEAR TOTAL COST:
$525,000.00
BUDGETED:
Yes
FISCAL YEAR:
2026 or FY27, depending on date of award.
FUND/DEPARTMENT:
Police
Items related to a project or facility location must include an attached vicinity map for Council
Review.
ATTACHMENTS:
UASI _AZDOHS_Police_UAVs App.pdf
CAR Recap Summary UASI - Drones FY26 2-17-2026.docx