Focus Area: Public Safety
Staff Contact: Chief Mike Butaud
Subject: Consideration of approving Police Drones as First Responder (DFR) Program with BRINC.
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Consideration of approving Police Drones as First Responder (DFR) Program with BRINC.
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Summary:
The Olathe Police Department is seeking approval to implement the BRINC Drones as First Responder Program. This initiative aims to strengthen our community’s safety and security through innovative technology that enhances operational efficiency, ensures citizen and officer safety with real-time intelligence and data. When approved Olathe will be the first City in Johnson County to utilize a US company for a DFR Program.
This program will utilize three (3) BRINC drones strategically positioned on top of City owned buildings. These drones will be auto dispatched on calls for service based on Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) call types. Upon arrival, at the scene of the incident, a drone pilot has the option of operating the drone or returning it back to its nest on the roof top of the city owned building.
Benefits of the BRINC Drones as First Responders Program: A smart step for modern policing!
• Rapid Response Time: Drones can be deployed quickly and reach the scene faster than traditional ground units, especially in areas with heavy traffic or difficult terrain.
• Increased Coverage: Capable of covering large areas swiftly, allowing for better resource allocation and quicker response to incidents.
• Enhanced Situational Awareness: Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and thermal imaging can relay real-time information to officers, helping them assess situations more accurately. This information can include detailed visuals of a scene, potential suspect locations, and more.
• Safety for Officers and the Public: Drones can monitor potentially dangerous situations without exposing officers to immediate risk. They can be used to assess hazardous situations such as fires, chemical spills, or armed standoffs.
• Critical Monitoring: Maintain continuous surveillance on suspects, which aids in de-escalating potentially volatile situations.
• Economical Surveillance: Offers a cost-effective alternative for aerial operations compared to manned aircraft, requiring fewer personnel and less equipment.
• Efficient Resource Use: Enhances the ability to allocate resources efficiently by confirming the nature of incidents before deploying personnel.
• Live Feeds: Provides real-time video feeds to officers on the ground, enhancing situational awareness and decision-making capabilities.
• Incident Documentation: Facilitates detailed incident documentation, supporting community transparency initiatives.
• Collaborative Potential: Positions PD as a leader in innovative policing, opening avenues for inter-departmental collaborations.
Approval of the BRINC Drones as First Responder Program will substantially benefit Olathe's community by boosting law enforcement capabilities while ensuring safety, cost-effectiveness, and transparency. We invite the council to consider this essential investment in cutting-edge public safety strategies.
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Financial Impact:
$240,000 annually for 3 year contract. Funding - Capital Projects Reserve Fund.
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Action Needed:
Approval of Drones as First Responder Program for Public Safety.
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Attachment(s):
Attachment A - Olathe KS PD DFR
Attachment B - DFR Master Service and Purchasing Agreement