WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – QuikTrip will donate a drone to the Wichita Police Department to deter crime and track suspects in downtown Wichita. The Wichita City Council approved the donation during its Dec. 23 council meeting.
The Drones First Responder Hive will cost the city $654,368, paid for by QuikTrip. WPD will station the drone at the QuikTrip at the intersection of Douglas and Washington downtown. QuikTrip will also cover the first five years of the drone subscription. After that, the city would have to pay $61,000 per year.
High call volume drives decision
The downtown area receives some of the highest numbers of 911 calls in the city. WPD reports that in 2025 there were roughly 5,700 calls.
The drone stationed at the QuikTrip at 1010 E Douglas will respond to crimes in the Old Town area. WPD said it has asked QuikTrip to close the store multiple times in order to clear large crowds. The police department also frequently receives complaints about street racers congregating in the parking lot of the store…