ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) — New gear is headed to the Ithaca Police Department.
Officers will receive ballistic helmets, ballistic shields, night-vision binoculars, and drones intended to de-escalate dangerous encounters. A $75,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will cover the cost of the gear.
On April 8, the Ithaca Common Council accepted the grant in a 7-4 vote. Alderperson Robin Trumble, who voted against the measure, voiced concern about the drones.
“I can’t come up with too many incidences where a drone flying into a high-intensity situation wouldn’t risk a massive chance of, like, escalation,” he said.
Ithaca Police Chief Tom Kelly said the drones will help gather crucial information.
“Rather than sending an officer into a situation where we’re going to instigate a violent encounter, that drone gives the ability to get inside of a dwelling and see what’s there, see if somebody’s armed . . . or if they’ve overdosed and need medical attention,” he said.
Ithaca Police Captain Ted Schwartz said the drones will help officers make “better decisions.”
