Public Safety Committee Meeting

The City of Shreveport Public Safety Committee met on August 20, 2026, to discuss the potential procurement and implementation of advanced drone technology for public safety use. The meeting featured presentations from the police department and representatives from Skyo, a drone manufacturer partnered with Axon, highlighting the benefits of drones as first responders to improve emergency response times and officer safety. Key procurement considerations included staffing requirements for drone operation, integration with existing CAD and body camera systems, maintenance and replacement plans, and regulatory compliance with FAA airspace restrictions. The committee discussed the operational costs, ownership of equipment, and the potential for drones to assist in various public safety scenarios beyond emergency calls. A motion to table further discussion until the next meeting was passed unanimously, with plans for a live drone demonstration and continued evaluation of funding and deployment strategies.