Local law enforcement to utilize drones, see salary increase
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- The St. Joseph City Council approved the implementation of drones and a salary increase for the St. Joseph Police Department during its Monday meeting.
The city will enter a five-year price agreement with Axon Enterprise Inc. for the purchase of two Skydio docking “nest” systems and a total of six Skydio drones. The drones will assist law enforcement and emergency services in addressing situations before responders arrive on scene
St. Joseph Police Chief Paul Luster said the drones will not only help with officer safety but community safety as well.
“This is going to allow us a rapid response to many incidents where we're going to have the drone there, and that's the ability to kick back a video feed to not only police officers, but firefighters as well," Luster said. "Go to calls there quickly. So I think it just has a broad application for the community and to enhance the safety of our community."
The council approved a 6% salary increase for the SJPD. The salary increase will improve recruitment efforts in law enforcement.
Brendan McGinnis, Fraternal Order of Police Northwest Lodge three president, said the salary increase helps the department remain competitive.
"In 2022, when the public passed that tax, we were down 31 officers, and we've cut that by almost two-thirds," McGinnis said. "So we're heading in the right direction, and this just keeps us going in the right direction."
The council approved the purchase of two new vehicles for animal services. The first vehicle will be a 2026 Ford Transit cargo van from Anderson Ford of St. Joseph.
The vehicle will replace the 2007 Dodge Caravan. This vehicle will be used by Animal Services for supplies and occasionally for animal transportation. This purchase will be funded with $53,510.56 in marijuana tax funds.
The second vehicle, a 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 3/4 ton truck from Nashville Automotive LLC. This vehicle will replace the 2016 F-250.
The vehicle will be used for animal control field operations in the city limits with out-of-town travel. This purchase will be funded with $49,100.00 in marijuana tax funds.
The next city council meeting will take place on Jan. 5.
