The state-appointed Board of Police Commissioners is set to consider on Wednesday a proposal to deploy six drones throughout the City of St. Louis through a “Drone as First Responder” program, but not everyone at City Hall is on board.
The drones, which would come from Seattle-based BRINC, would be part of a Drones as First Responder unit. In a press release, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department said the proposal includes “docking stations strategically placed throughout the North, Central, and South Patrol areas based on crime trends, 911 call volume, response patterns, and operational needs.”
The SLMPD release said the drones would be “supported through a partnership between the St. Louis Police Foundation and its donors.” In response to an email inquiry, a departmental spokesperson said the foundation would cover the entire program’s costs, which are expected to be about $360,000 annually…