The City of Cincinnati has a drone program primarily focused on supporting city operations and law enforcement, with a growing emphasis on using drones as first responders. The city has acquired drones to assist with infrastructure maintenance and is establishing citywide regulations for drone registration. Additionally, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office has launched a program using drones as first responders to certain 911 calls.
Here’s a more detailed look at the City of Cincinnati’s drone program:
1. Infrastructure and City Operations:
- The city is purchasing drones to assist in maintaining water infrastructure.
- They are also working on establishing citywide regulations for drone registration within city operations.
2. Law Enforcement and First Response:
- The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office has a new program that deploys drones to 911 calls, particularly those involving potentially dangerous situations like domestic violence, fights, and burglaries.
- Drones can be deployed remotely from docks and can reach scenes quickly (up to 45 mph).
- Drones are equipped with cameras (zoom and thermal) to relay information to deputies.
- The city is also exploring the use of drones in other law enforcement contexts, such as at protests and for responding to shootings.
- The Cincinnati Police Department is also using drones for apprehension, reducing risks to officers and civilians.
3. Grant Funding and Research:
- The city received a grant from Arnold Ventures to support the development of a differential response drone pilot program.
- This program aims to improve community safety and the criminal justice system.
4. Training and Regulations:
- The City of Cincinnati has developed policy guidelines for using drones in public safety.
- The city’s law department provides guidance to staff on drone usage.
- Operators need to pass a test and be vetted by the TSA.
- Drones are typically flown within specific parameters, such as during daylight hours, within a certain altitude, and within a certain speed limit.
- Drones are not flown above people or carrying hazardous materials.
Carolyn Gillman