09/02/2026
At what point do we start listening to the majority on public safety?
A presentation during a City Council meeting this week called for the suspension of the Drones as First Responders program even though it has been welcomed by the public and already proven to save lives. Let's fact check some of what was presented:
-A call for service about a "homeless person blocking the sidewalk" was used as an example of improper use of a drone by officers....
FALSE. That call for service came from a concerned CITIZEN. Using a drone to immediately determine if the person was a risk to themself or others - and thus requires an officer's presence and/or EMS - is exactly how a drone can aid response.
-Example of misuse of ALPR cameras were cited as an issue...
FALSE. That's an entirely different technology unrelated to drones or NOPD. There have been NO examples of misuse of drones by the NOPD since the program launched in 2024.
-The response to the dangerous underground fire on Bourbon Street during Essence Fest weekend implied a misuse of thermal imaging…
FALSE. Thermal cameras are an accessory only used in specific instances...for example, to identify where a fire has spread in order to prevent loss of life.
-It was asserted that there were other costs to the public not being reported…
FALSE. This program is funded in part by the FQMD as approved by the Council and private donations. DFRs save taxpayer dollars by decreasing response times, creating a better use of limited manpower, and even reducing fuel costs.
-The NOPD was also referred to as a "toddler" by the presenting group....
FALSE. The NOPD is an extensively trained group of dedicated citizens who daily save lives. These “toddlers” are reducing the crime rate year over year and lead the nation in homicide clearance rates. The reference is disrespectful and unacceptable.
Conflating technologies and scare tactics do not help the community or the efficacy of its police officers. A majority of citizens support the use of technology to reduce crime. The DFR program should be supported.
🫡 New Orleans Police Department