The city approved a multimillion-dollar expansion after police reported drones were often first to arrive at calls.
The Newport Beach City Council has approved an expansion of the Police Department’s drone program that city staff estimate will cost more than $4.5 million over the remaining six years of an existing technology contract.
More drones and broader coverage
The expansion will allow Newport Beach police to add Skydio drones, docking systems and related technology through the city’s existing contract with Axon Enterprise. The first-year cost is estimated at nearly $752,000.
Police officials said the department used drones 912 times during a recent three-month period at crime scenes, traffic collisions and other calls for service. According to the department, drones arrived before officers nearly 65% of the time.
Police cite faster situational awareness
Deputy Chief Shawn Randell said the technology can give officers live information before they arrive, help locate people or vehicles and help determine what resources are needed at a scene.
The department also cited Newport Beach’s geography, including hills, taller buildings and connectivity challenges, as factors in choosing the Skydio system.
Source: Los Angeles Times / Daily Pilot.
