St. Louis Police Launch Drone Unit Despite Mayor's Objections
The city accepted a $300 million federal grant it did not formally apply for, and the police board approved the use of drones for emergency response by a 4-1 vote.
By Marco Graham ·
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department will begin testing its new drone unit as soon as this week, following a board vote that passed despite the mayor's vote against it. The Aerial Response Unit was approved on Wednesday by a 4-1 margin. Mayor Cara Spencer cast the dissenting vote, arguing that the process lacked sufficient community input. She described the drone program as flawed.
The funding for this technology comes from a $300 million federal grant awarded to St. Louis and three other cities by the U.S. Department of Justice last week. The money is designated for officer recruitment, crime-fighting technology, officer safety, and community services. Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the award in a press release dated October 30, calling the Model Cities Initiative a commitment to reducing crime and ensuring safety.
A dispute arose over how the grant application was submitted. At the Wednesday board meeting, Mayor Spencer stated that neither she nor any other city official signed off on the application. Police Chief Robert Tracy countered that the city had been involved from the start. He noted that the city asked the DOJ questions in June regarding potential involvement, but said those inquiries went unanswered.
"In fact, instead of addressing or digging into those questions, which, as pointed out, would involve our city departments, we were left out of the process entirely," Spencer told Tracy during the meeting. Tracy explained that his department proceeded after being approached by a federal delegation. He said the state board could authorize the application through its president, allowing them to move forward with recommendations from the governor's and attorney general's offices.
The department purchased six drones with assistance from the St. Louis Police Foundation. They plan to buy more with the federal funds. The drones will not be sent to every 911 call automatically but will be eligible for dispatch when needed. Tracy said the technology will provide officers with critical information before they arrive at a scene.
Community members have raised concerns about privacy and recording capabilities. Tracy signed a special order governing the unit immediately after the Wednesday meeting. He promised the mayor that the city would be involved as the department implements the grant. Test flights are scheduled to occur in response to a few 911 calls starting Wednesday afternoon.
