10.15.24 – KOCO
Oklahoma City Council approved $856,000 for new police and fire department drones, raising privacy concerns among some councilors. The council voted 5-3 to allocate the funds over the next five years to purchase 50 additional drones, adding to the 38 already in use.
Oklahoma City Council approved $856,000 for new police and fire department drones, raising privacy concerns among some councilors.
The council voted 5-3 to allocate the funds over the next five years to purchase 50 additional drones, adding to the 38 already in use.
“Drones as a first responder, being able to put eyes on a scene with a drone to let fire and police know what is going on there before we arrive,” Capt. Jason Bussert of the Oklahoma City Police Department said.
He said that drones enhance safety for both officers and the public.
“It is a safety protocol. When we have large crowds and large events, the ability to see the whole picture and any potential threats and hazards beforehand is invaluable to us,” Chief Ron Bacy of the Oklahoma City Police Department said.
The fire department also uses drones for various emergencies, including its new mental health crisis response team.
“We can look at the individual, see what is going on, get some vitals and get that true picture before we get there to make sure we have the right resources to get the help that they need,” Domonic Brown of the Oklahoma City Fire Department said.
Some city councilors, including JoBeth Hamon, raised concerns about privacy and civil liberties.
“I’ve never seen anything in writing around when they are deployed, how they are recorded, decisions on when and how they are deployed,” Hamon said.
Other councilors said they believe the current use of drones has not posed any issues.
“I’m comfortable with the policy. I’m comfortable with the 38 drones already in use,” Councilman Mark Stonecipher said.
When asked about the policy surrounding drone use, both the police and fire departments were unable to provide specific guidelines, stating only that drones are used in various emergency situations.