Key Takeaways
- The Fargo Police Department is considering a $13 million contract to incorporate advanced technology, including drones, Tasers, and body cameras, into its operations.
- The contract includes "Axon Air," a "drone as a first responder program," which can provide details on people present, weapons, and the overall layout of an area.
- The technology is expected to increase efficiency and reduce the need to dispatch multiple units to uncertain calls.
- The City Commission will review the contract on Monday, December 22.
- The department’s investment with Axon has increased significantly since its first contract in 2021, which was $3 million.
Introduction to Advanced Technology in Policing
The Fargo Police Department is taking steps to incorporate advanced technology into its operations. On Monday, the City Commission will review a police technology contract renewal proposed by Chief Dave Zibolski. The contract includes a range of technologies, including "Axon Air," a "drone as a first responder program," as well as Tasers, body cameras, and other policing technology. The total cost of the contract is $13 million, which will be spread over 10 years. This represents a significant increase in the department’s investment with Axon, a company that specializes in providing technology solutions to law enforcement agencies.
Benefits of Advanced Technology
According to Chief Zibolski, the use of drones and other advanced technologies can bring a number of benefits to the department. For example, drones can arrive on the scene of an incident minutes before officers, providing valuable information about the people present, any weapons that may be involved, and the overall layout of the area. This can help to increase efficiency and reduce the risk of injury to officers. The technology can also be used for missing person cases, crowd monitoring, and hazardous situations. Additionally, the use of drones may reduce the need to dispatch multiple units to uncertain calls, which can help to conserve resources and reduce costs.
Axon Air and Its Capabilities
Axon Air, the "drone as a first responder program" included in the contract, is a fully integrated solution built specifically for public safety. The system uses drones equipped with cameras and other sensors to provide real-time information about an incident or situation. This can include details about the people present, any vehicles or other objects that may be involved, and the overall layout of the area. The system can also be used to monitor crowds, track missing persons, and respond to hazardous situations. According to Axon, the company behind the technology, Axon Air is the only fully integrated solution of its kind, and it has the potential to revolutionize the way that law enforcement agencies respond to incidents.
The City Commission Review
The City Commission will review the contract on Monday, December 22, at City Hall. The commission will consider the benefits and costs of the contract, as well as any potential risks or drawbacks. The contract represents a significant investment for the department, and it is likely that the commission will have a number of questions about the technology and its potential impact on the community. The commission will also consider the department’s budget and whether the contract is a good use of resources. Ultimately, the decision to approve or reject the contract will depend on a number of factors, including the potential benefits to the community, the cost of the technology, and the department’s budget.
About the Reporter
The article was written by Ryan McNamara, a reporter who joined WDAY in late 2024. McNamara is a native of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, and graduated from St. Cloud State University in 2024. During his time at St. Cloud State, McNamara spent a significant amount of time reporting on Husky hockey and basketball, and he also worked with the Northwoods League’s St. Cloud Rox. In addition to his work as a reporter, McNamara also does play-by-play broadcasts for North Dakota and Minnesota high school sports. When he is not working, McNamara enjoys lifting, golfing, and watching college basketball. He is currently trying to complete the elusive perfect March Madness bracket.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Fargo Police Department is considering a significant investment in advanced technology, including drones, Tasers, and body cameras. The contract, which is valued at $13 million, has the potential to increase efficiency and reduce the risk of injury to officers. The technology can be used for a range of purposes, including missing person cases, crowd monitoring, and hazardous situations. The City Commission will review the contract on Monday, December 22, and will consider the benefits and costs of the technology, as well as any potential risks or drawbacks. Ultimately, the decision to approve or reject the contract will depend on a number of factors, including the potential benefits to the community, the cost of the technology, and the department’s budget.
