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Commission approves purchase of Skydio X10 drone for police; city to cover initial cost from carryover
Summary
The commission approved the Junction City Police Department's request to buy a Skydio X10 quadcopter drone for $26,863.47 with an annual software/subscription cost of $1,270; staff said the initial purchase will come from department carryover and the recurring cost will be budgeted in future police budgets.
The Junction City Commission approved the Police Department’s request to purchase a Skydio X10 quadcopter drone for $26,863.47 and an annual software and cloud subscription of $1,270.
Police staff told the commission the X10 is an American‑manufactured system with infrared and night‑vision capabilities, a speaker and recording/photography features. Staff said it can assist with search‑and‑rescue, large crime‑scene mapping, traffic‑accident documentation and incidents involving an armed or barricaded person, allowing officers to gather information from a safe distance.
Staff and commissioners discussed operator training (K‑State Salina provides a week‑long course), expected pilot numbers (staff proposed training four pilots), insurance and warranty coverage, lifetime estimates (an operational life of several years if not physically damaged), and the availability of similar units in nearby jurisdictions (Topeka PD and others). The presenter also noted legislative activity: a house substitute bill for Senate Bill 9 was mentioned that would limit which manufacturers and parts sources law enforcement can purchase from; staff said Skydio is U.S.‑based and approved for some DOD use.
Funding: Staff recommended using police carryover funds for the initial purchase and placing the $1,270 annual cost in future police department budgets. Commissioners asked about using asset‑forfeiture funds or county cost‑share; staff said the sheriff’s office uses smaller drones and a formal county cost‑share had not been negotiated.
Outcome: The commission approved the purchase. Staff said pilots will be trained from current personnel as an ancillary duty, and that department budgets will carry the annual subscription cost going forward.
