Oro Valley Police are set to expand their drone usage with a new $146,000 program designed to enhance response times to emergencies. The initiative, funded by a state public safety grant, will introduce four remotely operated drones to the department through a contract with Flock Safety.

“Drone as First Responder” Model

The department has utilized drones since 2017, but this new program will implement a “drone as first responder” model. This allows drones to be dispatched remotely, potentially arriving at incident scenes before police officers. The primary goals include faster responses to missing person cases and active emergency calls.

Resident Reactions: Support and Concerns

The proposed expansion has elicited mixed reactions from Oro Valley residents. Some express strong support, citing the town’s reputation for safety. “I trust Oro Valley PD, they've never given me any reason not to, so I assume that they're going to use the tool and and the data responsibly,” said resident Mark Platt.

Others are cautiously optimistic, emphasizing the need for responsible implementation. Stan Schneiderman stated, “As long as its not excessive… As long as its strategic and correct.” However, some residents voiced significant privacy concerns during a recent Town Council meeting.

Privacy and Surveillance Debate

Sean Glaser, a resident who spoke during public comment, argued that the contract “will fundamentally change the relationship between the town of Oro Valley and the people of Oro Valley.” Concerns were raised about potential misuse of the technology and the surveillance of innocent individuals. Another speaker questioned the necessity of such tools, suggesting alternative crime-solving methods.

Police Address Concerns

Oro Valley Police addressed these concerns during the Town Council meeting. Lt. Kevin Peterson emphasized, “I want to be very clear, this is not a surveillance tool. This is not intended for surveillance. This program is intended to apprehend bad criminals from doing bad things in our community.”

Officials also clarified that any footage collected will be managed in accordance with existing policies for body camera video – stored within the department’s evidence system and subject to relevant laws.

Broader Trend in Arizona

This debate mirrors discussions happening in other Arizona communities regarding similar technology from Flock. Sierra Vista is exploring ending its contract due to data privacy concerns, while South Tucson recently terminated its contract despite reported successes in solving crimes – including 14 arrests and the recovery of eight stolen vehicles. Flagstaff and Sedona have also ended similar contracts.

Despite the concerns, some Oro Valley residents believe the benefits outweigh the risks. “We’re ranked one of the safest cities in Arizona, i want it to stay that way. If this program gives Oro Valley a tool to keep it that way, I’m in favor for it,” Platt added.

Oro Valley Police state the program is not yet active and further details regarding its implementation will be released upon finalization.