Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety Technology topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council committee forwards police request to apply for drone first-responder grant
Summary
Deputy Chief Bender described a drone first-responder pilot program that would deploy rooftop automatic-launch drones to 911 coordinates to speed situational awareness; Public Safety committee voted to forward a resolution authorizing the department to apply for available state grant funds.
The Public Safety Law & Courts Committee on Nov. 24 voted to forward a resolution authorizing the Reynoldsburg Police Department to apply for a drone first-responder pilot grant. Deputy Chief Bender described the program as a means to supplement patrol operations and to provide rapid aerial situational awareness by launching an automatically deploying, weatherproof drone from a vehicle-mounted enclosure tied to 911 coordinates.
"The difference in the drone first responder program is this is sort of an automatic drone response for certain kinds of calls," Deputy Chief Bender said, describing how the unit would launch in conjunction with GPS coordinates from a 911 call and, in many cases, arrive ahead of officers on scene.
Bender said the department already operates a drone program but that the pilot would allow a faster, automated response for specified call types and reimburse hardware, software, training and regulatory support if grant funding is awarded. In department budget discussions, Bender also said the department is requesting approximately $130,000 in ongoing budget spending related to the program, and that staffing and FAA/regulatory issues will shape implementation as federal rules evolve.
The Public Safety committee seconded and carried the motion to send the resolution to full council. The vote in committee was recorded as favorable and the resolution will be included on the council docket for approval.
