Flock Drone as a First Responder (DFR) and Flock Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR) program concept discussion.

The Anoka County Sheriff's Office is researching a county-wide partnership on a shared resource through Flock Safety. This shared resource has three areas; DFR, ALPR, and Software. This program would strengthen inner operability between the Anoka County Emergency Communication Center with Police and Fire departments in Anoka County. The DFR is not a replacement for drones used by agencies at public safety incident scenes.

In addition to the fixed ALPR and DRF, there is also software included with this program. Software called "Flock 911" helps generate information to launch and land the drone for 911 calls, with an average on-scene time of 60-90 seconds. This ability to have a DFR on scene will assist with confirming an emergency exists, and sizing up the emergency, so the appropriate resources can be dispatched.

This program would include a Real-Time Crime Center, which our Ramsey Investigators and Analysts will have access to this software and data. Traffic analytics are available for the mounted ALPR cameras.

The program would include the following items across Anoka County:
152 standard ALPR flock cameras.
12 long-range ALPR cameras.
33 live-view video cameras with ALPR.
8 DRF drones, with 3 avoid and detect radars, as required by law, around the Blaine airport.

The proposed locations where the 8 DRF drones would be housed were selected based on calls for service over the past 3 years.

Here is a privacy and ethics website that addresses many of the questions surrounding Flock: https://www.flocksafety.com/privacy-ethics

 

The goal is to start this program in 2026.

Under a ten-year contract, the first two years would be a proof of concept. Year one will have no cost. Year two would be funded by the Anoka County Sheriff's Office. For years three to ten of the contract, there is a discussion about seeking funding from the Joint Law Enforcement Council. There is potential for a refund under Ramsey's 2026 contract. No direct billing or cost to Ramsey in 2027.

Hold a discussion with the Fire and Police Chiefs, sharing information they've learned about the concept plan for this pilot program, and the potential of this proposed program.

Questions, feedback, and consensus were received from the Mayor and Council members.