ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — The Rock Island Police Department will be receiving three drones after city council members voted to approve the purchase on Monday, Sept. 9.
All three devices will cost just over $53,000. The city plans to use part of its American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for the purchase.
RIPD will now join numerous other Quad Cities agencies using the technology, including the Moline Police Department, East Moline Police Department, Rock Island County Sheriff's Office, Scott County Sheriff's Office, Bettendorf Police Department and the Rock Island Fire Department.
The drones will be used "to enhance public safety operations within the City of Rock Island," city documents state. What this might look like is using them to monitor large events or parades, aid in emergency responses like search and rescue/natural disaster incidents or in hostage/barricade suspect situations to maintain contact with individuals.
Two drones will go towards general outdoor use and the third will be used for entry to smaller or confined spaces.
