St. Louis police drones could respond to some calls within days

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) - Drones could be first on scene for emergencies in St. Louis by the end of this week. The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department is ready to start its drones as first responders program.

The Board of Police Commissioners is expected to review the policies for the program Wednesday. If the board approves them, drones could start flying to some calls within days.

READ: St. Louis Fire Department tests 4 drones for emergency response

The police department plans to have six drones spread throughout the City of St. Louis. The drones will be used for active calls, searches, traffic incidents and other aid missions. Police said they will not be used for general surveillance.

Police Chief Robert Tracy said a drone may arrive before officers and show the real-time crime center what is happening.

“A drone may arrive before officers and provide a view to the real-time crime center of what is happening. That can help us locate someone who needs help, identify a threat, and determine what resources are needed,” Tracy explained.

Tracy said the program can support searches for missing children, endangered people, responses to armed suspects and other emergencies, and can assist firefighters. He said incidents involving immediate threat to life and safety will receive priority.

Police said the drones will not have weapons. Police said access to video will be restricted.