Approved funding for new drones for OKC first responders raises privacy concerns

Oklahoma City Police and Fire Departments will receive 50 new drones over the next five years. The OKC City Council approved $856,000 to purchase the drones, but several council members expressed privacy concerns.

Three council members were confused about the Oklahoma City Police Department’s current drone policy. Council member JoBeth Hamon said she would like to see more transparency for these systems. Councilman James Cooper requested further clarification before approving the purchase of the additional drones.

“I’m just a little confused,” Cooper said at the Oct. 8 meeting. “I think there’s a big issue of privacy.”

OKC Police Chief Ron Bacy and Capt. Jason Bussard told the council they are deploying 38 drones to support security at large events and crime scene assessments.

“It is invaluable that we can provide the right resources and respond properly for police and fire departments,” Bacy said.

Bussard said drones save time and provide information to get the right resources to the scene.

“Being able to take a look at the crime scene with a drone when an emergency call comes in to let the fire department and police know what’s going on,” Bussard said.

They want to work with Oklahoma City Fire to improve response to fires and emergency medical calls.

“We give them the right resources to get what they need to solve not just the acute problems but the chronic problems,” said Dominick Brown of the Oklahoma City Fire Department.

Hamon said she wants to protect people’s rights, including their right to privacy. The Oklahoma City Police Department’s operational manual states that police “must follow constitutional rights and privacy rights and are regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration.”

“There are a lot of gray areas,” Hamon said.

Council member Nikki Nice said she wanted more time to understand the guidelines. However, the motion still passed 5-3.

“Before we buy more, let’s be clear about what that policy needs to be,” Nice said before the vote.

Hamon said more community voices should be heard so people can demand “transparency and accountability.” She said the full council needs to understand the agenda items before the city decides to vote on money for new equipment.

“It seems a little reckless,” Hamon said.

News 9 requested an interview with the Oklahoma City Police Department to clarify more about this effort. They rejected the request.