San Francisco police drone fleet set to grow after $9.4M gift
a year ago
- #public-safety
- #technology
- #surveillance
- San Francisco Police Commission accepted a $9.4 million donation to expand the police drone program and add 10 new drone take-off sites.
- The donation, the largest one-time gift considered, was proposed by Ripple Labs and the San Francisco Police Community Foundation, founded by billionaire Chris Larsen.
- Funds will support the Real Time Investigation Center (RTIC), enhancing surveillance and crime-detection technology, contributing to over 500 arrests.
- $2 million of the donation will lease a 14,000-square-foot office space formerly occupied by Ripple Labs for RTIC's temporary relocation.
- The remaining $7.4 million will expand the Drones as First Responder Program, adding 10 take-off locations and new drone types to cover the entire city.
- New drone take-off sites will be primarily at fire stations, aiding both police and firefighters with thermal imaging and search operations.
- Critics argue the donation prioritizes surveillance over affordable housing and drug treatment, raising concerns about privacy and billionaire influence on public policy.
- Supporters view the expansion as a necessary step to combat crime and improve public safety, citing the program's success in aiding arrests.