Albany police outline technology push, staffing needs; drone purchase held pending budget approval

The Albany Police Department told the City Commission on June 3 that it is pursuing a technology-first approach to stretch a limited number of sworn officers while continuing recruitment and training efforts.

Chief Percy, Albany Police Department, told commissioners that monthly crime reports ranged from 561 in February to 665 in April and that the department ‘‘cleared 89% of investigative cases that we responded to in February.’’ He said homicide cases from February through April remain under active investigation, with some cleared by arrest.

The department described several technology investments. Chief Percy said Raven, the city’s gunshot‑detection system, registered a high of 306 activations in January and 194 in April, a ‘‘36% decline since January.’’ He said the department is preparing to deploy 24 new license‑plate readers (LPRs) funded by a…