WORCESTER, Mass. - A proposed drone for the Worcester Police Department is now another step closer to happening.
Police are looking to add a new drone that would be purchased through grant money. Police say the drone will use body heat technology which would be able to help them in scenarios where they are looking for a missing person or other similar situations.
On Tuesday night, the city council sent the proposal to a subcommittee for review, but some city councilors, like councilor at-large Khrystian King, still have reservations regarding the use of the technology.
“They really need to be very particular about our policy and procedure, and you know that's really what this is about. We understand that drones can be used for fire oversight, search and rescue, things of that nature,” King said in an interview on Wednesday. “(A drone) can certainly enhance the public safety and there's a competing question about privacy issues."
The ultimate decision on whether or not to approve the grant funded drone will be made by the city manager. The public can weigh in on the topic during the standing committee on public safety next Wednesday.
The police department has used a drone from other departments before.