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Platte County OKs application for tethered counter‑UAS grant after privacy questions
Summary
The commission authorized a state grant application to buy a tethered counter‑UAS system (estimated $48,676) for emergency management and patrol use. Commissioners asked for the sheriff's office policy on deployment and raised privacy concerns about long‑term data collection.
The Platte County Commission voted Dec. 1 to authorize a grant application to the Missouri Department of Public Safety to purchase tethered counter‑UAS surveillance equipment, a reimbursable award the sheriff’s office estimates would cost about $48,676.
Captain Jeffrey Shanks of the Platte County Sheriff’s Office described the system as a tethered drone that does not require a certified pilot and can remain aloft while tied to a power source. He said it would be used primarily for emergency management and command posts and that the county would purchase equipment and be reimbursed by the state if the grant is awarded.
“This would be used predominantly by emergency management, but it also be used by patrol,” Shanks said, describing deployment at major events and command posts. He added the device could remain in the air for extended periods when required by an incident response.
The presiding commissioner pressed for limits on continual data collection, saying, “If it's just gonna go up and hang out for, you know, 3 or 4 weeks just to collect generalized data, I'm not a big fan of that.” Shanks responded the intent is targeted deployments under law‑enforcement protocols and that policies would govern use; he agreed to provide the commission with the department’s draft policy guidance when it is available.
Commissioners voted 3-0 to approve Resolution 2025RES083 to submit the grant application. The resolution authorizes application only; purchasing and deployment would follow if and when the grant is awarded and county procedures are in place.
