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Council extends Paladin drone subscription and docking-station contract, citing public-safety use
Summary
DeSoto council authorized a contract amendment to extend subscription and docking-station terms with Paladin Drones for up to three years not to exceed $84,000; police cited uses including locating a missing child, officer safety and faster scene assessment.
The DeSoto City Council approved an amendment allowing the city manager to negotiate and execute a renewal for the Paladin Drones subscription and docking-station services for up to three years, not to exceed $84,000.
Police Chief Joe Costa said the city started its drone program in 2018 and added a second docking station in March 2025; the combined annual renewal approach covers both systems. Lieutenant Penn Warden described recent operational benefits: "Two months ago we had a critical missing child go missing, and the drone program found him in the creek within an hour of him missing," he said, saying the technology provides rapid situational awareness that can be faster and less expensive than helicopter deployment.
Councilmembers sought written drone policies and data; the chief committed to send the department's drone policy to council and Lieutenant Warden offered to provide operational metrics and a live demonstration to the public. Council approved the extension unanimously.
