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BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS APPROVES FUNDING FOR REMOTE DRONE PROGRAM
By Georgia Raw Official Source Worker
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Georgia Raw / Local
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(Lawrenceville, Ga., July 29, 2026) – The Board of Commissioners approved funding for a Drones as First Responders initiative to help Gwinnett Police respond to emergencies around the county.
(Lawrenceville, Ga., July 29, 2026) – The Board of Commissioners approved funding for a Drones as First Responders initiative to help Gwinnett Police respond to emergencies around the county.
The approved funds of $272,000 will purchase two remote-piloted Skydio drones that will launch from County police precincts and fly to emergency scenes ahead of responding units, providing faster eyes on an incident.
When a 911 call is entered into the computer-aided dispatch system, a crime intelligence analyst from the County’s Situational Awareness and Crime Response Center can input coordinates instantly to launch a drone from a nearby local police precinct. Real-time video feeds will stream directly into incident command centers, providing responding personnel with an immediate view of conditions on the ground.
“This drone program will significantly enhance our capabilities,” said Police Chief J.D. McClure. “It builds upon the Situational Awareness and Crime Response Center’s existing suite of real-time tools, which include live video feeds, license plate readers and data analytics. This technology will greatly improve public safety responses across the county while keeping our law enforcement and fire personnel safer in high-risk situations."
The remote drones will be deployed to high-priority events, including in-progress crimes and active disturbances, significant traffic accidents and roadway blockages and critical public safety incidents.
The program is expected to launch by the end of the year.
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