The Green Bay Police Department proposes using drones as the first responders to 911 calls to address ongoing staffing shortages. This initiative, part of a $1.3 million agreement with Flock Safety, would allow drones to autonomously respond and provide real-time visuals for situations like disturbances or welfare checks, potentially handling up to half of the police department’s calls for service.
Police Chief Chris Davis emphasizes the efficiency of this technology, suggesting it could operate with the duties of nearly two officers at a fraction of the cost. The Finance Committee has unanimously endorsed the contract, which is set for final approval by the City Council on December 16. This groundbreaking approach reflects a shift in resource management amid significant recruitment challenges in law enforcement, with the city unable to fill all its vacant positions.
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