St. Louis Police Launch Drone Response Unit
Commissioners approved orders allowing the department to send aerial units to select 911 calls immediately.
By Layla Edwards ·
The St. Louis Board of Police Commissioners approved special orders on Wednesday to create an aerial response unit. The vote cleared the path for the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department to begin a drone first responder program. Chief Robert J. Tracy called the move a historic step for public safety in the city.
The department stated it could conduct test flights and answer specific 911 calls as early as Wednesday afternoon. The new aircraft are equipped with thermal imaging, cameras, emergency lights, and real-time communication tools. These features allow drones to reach and assess emergency scenes before ground officers arrive.
SLMPD emphasized that the drones supplement officers rather than replace them. The units provide critical information to responding teams prior to their arrival on the scene. Board President Chris Saracino noted that the approval establishes a framework for the responsible use of this technology.
The program will initially operate in a limited capacity in the north and central parts of St. Louis. Police are continuing installation work in the southern part of the city. The full rollout schedule depends on staffing levels, scheduling, and ongoing testing.
Chief Tracy described the drones as another tool for protecting residents. He stated that the department is embracing innovative technology to help save lives. The board's approval allows the department to proceed with this approach to emergency response while maintaining oversight.
Source: KMOV
