A Drone as First Responder (DFR) program is a modern public safety model where unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are pre-positioned in weatherproof docking stations across the city.  Upon a 911 call or CAD (Computer Aided Dispatch) alert, a drone automatically launches and flies directly to the scene, often arriving under 90 seconds, well ahead of ground units.  The objective is to provide responding officers with instant, live situational awareness via real-time video streaming, allowing for safer, faster, and more informed decision-making.  Measurable outcomes archived by peer agencies include accelerated response times (drones travel in a straight line at or up to 50 MPH by passing traffic obstacles), resource optimization (on average, DFR programs allow agencies to clear 25% to 38% of low-risk calls without ever dispatching a physical officer, preserving ground resources for true emergencies), de-escalation and safety (live video allows supervisors to see if a suspect is actually armed or if a situation requires a specialized response giving officers the time and distance needed to de-escalate safely), and specific high-mpact cases (Missing Persons; quickly locating lost children or elderly individuals in dense terrain using thermal sensors, Crimes in Progress; safely tracking fleeing suspects of stolen vehicles without resorting to high-speed vehicle pursuits, Multi-Agency Support; assessing a fire spread for the Fire Department or mapping structural damage for Emergency Management).  The DFR program would supplement our current drone program embedded within the Police and Fire Department.

The goal is to approve the acceptance of the quote from BRINC and Motorola for a pilot DFR program to initiate a DFR pilot program.

The community benefit is the ability of first responders to speed up response times and the ability to deploy a drone ahead of ground units that provides early visuals, reduces response times, optimizes resources, and enhances public safety.

Approve Resolution 26-R-115.

Year one (1) includes a cancellation for convenience clause and the $119,998/YR fee is covered by Motorola Solutions Inc.  Years two (2) through four (4) include a Non-appropriations of Funding clause.  Thus, the first year there is a $0 cost.  The remaining three years (two-four) is $119,998 each year for a total of $359,994.  We intend to seek grant funding with a 20% match.  Therefore, our total monetary obligation would be $71,998.  Our yearly cost would be $23,996.60 if the grant requires a yearly application versus a total package. 

Recommend approval of Resolution 26-R-115.