Reed plans cameras, drones and a $10,000 signing incentive to bolster MPD
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Summary
Mayor Reed proposed new policing technology — tactical drones, license‑plate readers and facial recognition integrated into StarWatch — and a $10,000 signing incentive for recruits, framed as part of a broader violence‑reduction and reentry strategy.
Mayor Steven L. Reed highlighted public safety as Montgomery’s top priority and described a multipronged approach combining recruitment incentives, prevention programs and new technology.
“We're talking about the benefits of a career, not just a job in law enforcement,” Reed said as he outlined a recruitment push that includes a $10,000 signing incentive to attract officers. He said the administration also is investing in prevention and reentry programs under the 'Together We Rise' strategy to address drivers of violence while helping people reenter the workforce.
On technology, Reed said the Montgomery Police Department will adopt a suite of tools intended to improve situational awareness and investigations. “MPD is deploying new tactical drones along with license plate readers, facial recognition tools, and expanded camera systems integrated into the StarWatch network,” he said, adding the aim is to speed suspect apprehension and strengthen 911 response.
The mayor framed these steps as part of a broader public-safety plan that also includes increased patrols and a planned expansion of a special operations division. Reed presented year‑to‑year crime declines in the same section of his address; transcript figures include multiple percentages for reductions in overall, violent and nonviolent crime reported by the mayor.
No council vote or ordinance authorizing these specific deployments appears in the transcript; Reed presented them as administration plans and procurement steps.