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Albany authorizes purchase of police drones using school‑zone camera funds; body‑camera software renewal approved
Summary
Commissioners approved a five-year, $2,156,456 procurement for nine Skydio drones and associated infrastructure to be paid from school‑zone camera funds and also approved a one‑year Motorola video manager software renewal for 180 body cameras. Police officials said drones will provide faster response and transparency but acknowledged privacy and training considerations.
The Albany City Commission on Dec. 2 authorized a five‑year procurement for nine Skydio drones, docking stations, parachutes, cellular connectivity and software at a total program cost of $2,156,456 (annualized at approximately $431,291.20), to be paid from school‑zone camera funds.
A department presenter explained the purchase package and financing plan; Chief Lushing described the operational rationale, saying the drones act as a "force multiplier" for officers. "This program will greatly improve the level of service we provide and help us to continue moving this city forward," Chief Lushing said, while also acknowledging privacy and regulatory constraints, and the need for training and staffing.
The purchase was presented under a cooperative purchasing agreement and was approved by the commission after brief discussion. Staff said the package includes operating software, remote controls, docking stations and parachute systems, and that the costs are being amortized across five years.
Separately, the commission approved a one‑year renewal of the Motorola Video Manager cloud hosting and software license that supports 180 v300 body‑worn cameras across patrol and specialized units; staff said the renewal continues licensing, data storage, hosting, maintenance and technical support.
Provenance: Drone procurement details and the chief’s operational remarks begin the presentation and the commission recorded a subsequent roll-call approval for the procurement and the body‑camera renewal.
