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Nampa council approves five‑year police drone program, citing faster response times
Summary
The council authorized a five‑year agreement for a First Responder drone program (DFR) in a $560,000 package; police said drones will shorten priority‑one response times and provide thermal capability for perimeter searches. Financing will use FY25 savings and budgeted FY26 funds; roll call was unanimous.
The Nampa City Council authorized the police chief to execute a five‑year agreement for a deployed First Responder drone program with a total price of $560,000, a package the department said includes three drones, launch/landing stations and support equipment.
Police presenters described operational benefits: quicker visual assessment on priority‑1 calls, thermal imaging to locate suspects in difficult terrain, and the ability to avoid sending multiple officers to false alarms. Lieutenant Chad Shepherd said the program could reduce some priority‑1 response times from about 12 minutes to roughly three minutes, depending on first‑responder availability.
Council discussed financing and contract language. Finance staff said the city would use FY25 budget savings and that FY26 included $116,000 budgeted toward the program; legal noted the agreement contains non‑appropriation language to avoid obligating future councils. Police said the package includes immediate replacement if a drone is damaged and standardized training from the vendor; the department currently has a small number of certified pilots and will expand training for the program.
A roll call recorded unanimous approval. Council asked staff to provide ongoing updates about operations, costs and any policy considerations, and legal recommended regular review of program terms and non‑appropriation protections.
