St. Louis Mayor Rejects Drone Unit Amid DOJ Grant Dispute
A $300 million federal award for police technology and recruitment is being challenged by city officials who say they were not part of the application process.
By Alessia Romano ·
St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer said city leaders did not approve the federal grant application for police drones.
The U.S. Department of Justice awarded the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and three other cities a total of $300 million last week. The funding supports officer recruitment, crime-fighting technology, officer safety, and community services. Specific allocation details were not provided by the board or the police department.
Police Chief Robert Tracy told Spencer he believed the city had been involved in the application from the start. He stated that the department moved forward after the federal delegation approached them. Tracy said the state board president signed off on the application, supported by letters from the governor’s and attorney general’s offices. Spencer countered that the city asked the Justice Department questions in June but received no answer. She said the city was left out of the process entirely.
The board approved the department’s inaugural Aerial Response Unit on Wednesday in a 4-1 vote. Spencer voted no, citing a lack of time for community input. She described the drone program as flawed. Tracy signed the special order governing the unit immediately after the meeting. The department purchased six drones with help from the St. Police Foundation. Test flights are expected to begin Wednesday afternoon, responding to 911 calls. The drones will be eligible for dispatch but will not automatically fly to every service call.
Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the award in a press release dated October 30. He said the Model Cities Initiative reflects the administration's commitment to reducing crime. He stated that these cities are setting an example of proactive law enforcement. Tracy said the drones will provide officers with critical information before they arrive at a scene. Community members have expressed concerns about privacy and recording capabilities. Tracy promised the city will be involved as the department implements the grant.
