“It’s a huge game changer for officer safety and also for locating suspects.”
That’s Wyoming police Lt. Aaron Brooks explaining the department has utilized its only drone multiple times a day over the past four years. In need of repairs, it’s adding two new drones at a cost of just over $26,000, increasing its fleet.
“The money here would be for the two drones, the controllers, batteries, cases. Comes with spotlights, speakers, launch pads, kind of everything you need to fly, big hard case to keep in the trunk of a car.”
The city council approved the funds in a 5-1 vote, with Third Ward City Councilmember Marissa Postler voting no, citing increased surveillance concerns.
“I do trust our police department. I really do, but just the idea of increasing our comfort level with surveillance as a society makes me uncomfortable. I can see where it would be beneficial, but I could also see where the scope of use could continue to expand, and the idea of that makes me uncomfortable.”
Captain Eric Wiler explained that policies are in place that prohibit the department from using drones to harass, intimidate or discriminate against any individual.
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