Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Chief outlines police drone first‑responder trial and BFPC rule changes
Summary
The chief of police described a year‑long, no‑cost trial of a Motorola/Brink drone first‑responder (DFR) system, noted safeguards (parachute, limited range), and asked the board to pass BFPC rule changes to speed hiring; National Night Out was also announced for Aug. 4.
Chief of Police briefed the board on two separate items: proposed amendments to Board of Fire and Police Commission rules to enable more nimble hiring, and a newly installed Motorola/Brink drone first‑responder (DFR) system entering a trial and training period.
About the BFPC rule changes, the chief said the commission "helps keep politics and nepotism out of hiring" and that modifications are intended to respond to a tightened hiring market. On the DFR program he described the hub mounted at the police building, explained that the drone "lands on that and surface charges and stays ready," and said it can be launched automatically in response to a 911 call. He noted safeguards including a parachute and that the first year "doesn't cost us anything and we have the right to back out of it." He added Vernon Hills and Gurnee are the only Lake County departments currently operating a DFR system.
Trustees asked about range and regional cooperation; the chief said coverage is limited but envisioned a network of neighboring drones and coordination with LakeCom. He also reminded residents that National Night Out is Tuesday, Aug. 4 at Hartman Park from 4–8 p.m.
