HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem Submitted by Councilman Butch Twining and Councilman Do (2) ti� 2000 Main Street,
of Huntington Beach,CA
5 City of Huntington Beach 92648
APPROVED 7-0
File #: 25-449 MEETING DATE: 6/3/2025
Subject:
Item Submitted by Councilman Butch Twining and Councilman Don Kennedy - Downlink
Technology
Recommended Action:
Direct the City Manager to report back in 90 days on the viability and expense associated with
equipping our public safety departments with downlink technology.
Attachment(s):
1. Councilman Twining and Councilman Kennedy Memo -Downlink Technology
City of Huntington Beach Page 1 of 1 Printed on 5/29/2025
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=� T:%%''# City Council Meeting - Council Member Items Report
To: CITY COUNCIL
From: BUTCH TWINING, COUNCILMAN
DON KENNEDY, COUNCILMAN
Date: JUNE 3, 2025
Subject: EXPLORATION INTO THE USE OF DOWNLINK TECHNOLOGY FOR THE
HUNTINGTON BEACH POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS
ISSUE STATEMENT
Downlink technology can be a powerful communication tool for law enforcement agencies.
Downlinking is the process of sharing live video from an aircraft to a receiver, typically ground
based. In other words, sharing live stream from a police helicopter or drone to a responding law
enforcement team.
Downlink systems can provide specific and critical advantages to the HBPD and HBFD, especially
given the City's urban, coastal, and tourist-heavy environment.Advantages include:
1. Wide-Area Coverage for Huntington Beach. The city spans over 30 square miles with
beaches, residential neighborhoods, commercial and industrial areas.
2. Coordinated Response in crowded Tourist areas. Locations like Main Street, Pacific City
and the Pier attract large crowds.
3. Real-Time Updates to field personnel. Crowd control, active shooter threats, major
structure fires, vehicle pursuits, medical emergencies, barricaded subjects, perimeter
coordination with police and fire, without confusion or delays.
4. Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Management. Huntington Beach may be vulnerable
to wildfires, flooding and earthquakes, real-time updates on evacuation routes, road
closures and conditions.
5. Marine & Coastal Operations. Police, Fire, and Marine Safety units depend on solid
communications with onshore dispatch, Lifeguards and Coast Guard.
6. Emerging Technologies. Downlink systems can support streaming high definition video
from drones and the helicopters during fires, search & rescue, GIS Mapping pushed to
patrol vehicles and fire engines.
Downlink communications are not just advantageous-they're mission-critical. They ensure
situational awareness, coordinated multi-agency responses, and public safety efficiency in a
complex and high-risk environment.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Direct the City Manager to report back in 90 days on the viability and expense associated with
equipping our public safety departments with downlink technology.
STRATEGIC PLAN GOAL
Non Applicable -Administrative Item
2000 Main Street,Huntington Beach,CA 92648 I www.huntingtonbeachca.gov
711
Mr.Amory Hanson
8102 Ellis Avenue
Apartment 121
Huntington Beach CA 92646
June 3, 2025
The Mayor Of Huntington Beach
2000 Main Street
Huntington Beach CA 92648
My Dear Mister Mayor,
I would like to express my support for Item XXIV,Councilman Kennedy and Twining's item to look into downlink
technology.
Sincerely Yours,
Mr.Amory Hanson
CC:The Honorable Casey McKeon
CC:The Honorable Andrew Gruel
CC:The Honorable Donald C.Kennedy
CC:The Honorable E.M.Twining
CC:The Honorable Grace Vandermark
CC:The Honorable Chad Williams
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Meeting Date: 6-3-2025
24 (25-449)
Agenda Item No.