Quarterly Public Safety Update: Q1 2026 - April 16, 2026

The City of South Bend held its Quarterly Public Safety Update on April 16, 2026, focusing on crime statistics, public safety programs, and technology deployments for the first quarter of 2026. Key procurement-related discussions included the pilot use of drone technology (DFR) provided free for one year by Flock, with potential budget requests in 2027 depending on its success. The police department also highlighted the use of license plate readers (LPRs) and integration of business and residential cameras into the real-time crime center, emphasizing ongoing technology training for officers. While no new contracts or purchases were approved during the meeting, the discussion indicated future budget considerations for expanding drone usage and continued investment in crime-fighting technologies. The meeting also covered staffing updates, crime trends, community engagement events, and traffic safety enforcement efforts.