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Council discusses drones, police training contract and technology hires
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Summary
Councilmembers discussed a planned drone partnership MOA and approved a contract to use the St. Louis County police academy for basic training; the council also advanced budget amendments to convert a forensic investigator to full time and other public‑safety budget items. Supporters said drones will give 'eyes in the air' to improve responder safety.
Saint Charles County councilmembers discussed several items related to public safety and technology on April 13, including a drone memorandum of agreement and a contract for basic police training.
Bill 5483 (introduced) would authorize memoranda of agreement to house and operate drones in partnership with selected private and public entities. Councilmembers discussed the drone program as a tool for first responders to get on scene faster and safer and to assist traffic management and EMS. One council member praised interjurisdictional cooperation and noted O'Fallon already operates a related program; another council member asked to be added as a sponsor.
The council also took final passage on Bill 5478, a contract to use the St. Louis County Municipal Police Academy Board of Managers and the St. Louis County training facility for basic training and continuing education for officers; presenters noted the arrangement is reimbursable to the county. Budget amendments introduced include Bill 5484 (convert an intermittent computer forensic investigator to full‑time) and Bill 5485 (public health budget transfers); Bill 5486, an amendment to a Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services contract for surveillance reimbursement, was introduced as well.
Next steps: Bill 5483 and the other introduced items will return for final action at the council's next meeting.
