Benton Police describe early-stage drone 'first responder' program covering roughly 73% of city
Summary
Lieutenant Dustin Hamble told the commission the Benton Police have partnered with Brink on a drone first-responder program with three current locations and a BVLOS waiver; he said the system can reach incidents within a roughly two-mile radius, with response times around 70 seconds from launch.
Lieutenant Dustin Hamble of the Benton Police Department briefed the AMP Commission on an early-stage drone responder program developed in partnership with Brink. He said the program currently places drones at three sites—the top of the police department, the event center and the Highway 5 substation (Station 5)—and provides roughly 73% geographic coverage as presently sited.
"It's a drone as 1st responder program," Lt. Hamble said. He described how a normal dispatch would trigger a drone launch by a Part 107-certified operator; the program has a Beyond Visual Line of Sight waiver allowing response across roughly a two-mile radius and he estimated launches could reach a scene in under two minutes ("roughly around 70 seconds"). The lieutenant said the drones will provide early eyes-on information to dispatch and responders without changing how personnel respond to calls for service.
Commissioners asked about cost and placement; Lt. Hamble said the system vendor and contract cover equipment, landing and charging infrastructure, and that additional stations may be added if the program is successful.
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