The Denver Police Department is launching a new program to use drones in responding to 911 calls. This initiative comes after recent budget cuts to fund migrant services.

Despite former Chief Robert White’s earlier opposition to drones, the department will use a $100,000 grant from the Denver Police Foundation to purchase drones and start the program within six to twelve months.

The drones will assist officers by providing real-time information and could potentially respond to calls before officers arrive.

The Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office has been using drones since 2017 for various tasks such as tracking suspects and mapping crime scenes, and is now considering using drones to respond to calls ahead of officers.

However, the American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado has raised concerns about privacy and over-policing, particularly in communities of color, the Daily Mail reported.

Other local police departments are also exploring or already using drones for specific purposes, such as monitoring public events and delivering medical equipment.

Despite the potential benefits, there are challenges including public opinion, costs, and regulatory compliance.

Written by B.C. Begley