FACTS: No proposals are being made to implement a Drones as First Responder (DFR) program at the Murfreesboro Police Department (MPD). MPD currently utilizes DroneSense which provides the ability to view drone footage via cell phones or web browsers. This footage gives staff, who are not in direct contact with the drone operator, the ability to see the same footage as the drone operator. This capability is of great benefit when establishing command posts or for Real Time Crime Center personnel during incidents such as active crime scenes or searches for missing individuals. MPD currently utilizes this technology with six drones that are carried by certified drone operators during scheduled work hours. The proposed contract amendment would expand the number of licenses from six to eight, due to the recent purchase of two new drones. All MPDs drones are manually operated and the department does not have automated drones as seen with DFR programs. This proposal would not provide that ability. The integration component would allow a seamless viewing of drone footage without needing to switch between separate systems. We hope to clarify any confusion that has occurred and are able to answer any questions that the public may have by emailing PIO@murfreesborotn.gov.
