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Wasco police roll out drone‑first responder plan and report staffing gains
Summary
Chief reported progress on recruitment, lower crime metrics, radio and dispatch upgrades and plans to operate a drone-first-responder system tied to dispatch. Council asked about gang graffiti and fireworks response; staff said the drone can deploy automatically from dispatch and can be taken over by officers in the field.
Police leadership updated the council at the April 30 strategic session about staffing and technology upgrades designed to improve response and public safety.
The police chief (speaker 13) said the department now has 34 positions filled across sworn and unsworn ranks, reported declines in burglaries and vehicle thefts in 2025 and outlined recruitment and promotional gains. The department is upgrading its dispatch consoles and moving the radio system to P25 digital encryption as required by law.
Drone-first-responder system: the chief described a drone program integrated with dispatch: if a call warrants a drone, dispatchers can push a button to launch the drone to the scene remotely (the chief said it takes about 75 seconds to arrive). Dispatchers can hand control to an officer in the field if needed; staff also plan to cross‑train dispatchers as FAA Part 107‑certified pilots. IT staff noted the drone is capable of automated return-to-base and low‑battery behaviors and the city is evaluating gunshot‑detection integration.
Community concerns: councilmembers asked about rising graffiti/gang activity and fireworks; the chief said investigators pursue leads and that the drone may aid detection if calls justify deployment. Council and staff discussed routine Powell Building presence by officers for community engagement.
Next steps: staffing and technology purchases will be advanced through the budget/CIP process and deployment timing for the drone program will follow final training, expected in mid‑June.
