Orange Beach
The Free Police Drone That Could Turn Into a Six-Figure Bill
Orange Beach's police chief says the city can cancel its new drone program at any time. A news preview of the Oct. 6 agenda described a contract that automatically converts to roughly $176,000 a year unless the city gives written notice 90 days before the free year ends.
Orange Beach is lining up a "Drone as First Responder" program through Motorola Solutions, using drones made by Seattle-based Brinc. When certain 911 calls come in, a drone launches on its own, flies to the scene and streams video to dispatchers. It can carry items like a life preserver or a defibrillator. (Gulf Coast Media)
"We don't even have to tell it to go. It will go," Police Chief Trent Johnson said. Infrastructure work is set to start in January, with service targeted for June 2027. (same story)
Two different descriptions of the deal
| What the chief said in September | What an OBA preview of the Oct. 6 agenda described | |
|---|---|---|
| First year | "Terms are one-year pre-trial, no obligation" | "Year 1 is offered at no promotional cost" |
| After year one | City can cancel at any time (as reported by Gulf Coast Media) | Contract "automatically converts to a paid multi-year agreement" |
| To get out | Not described | Written cancellation notice at least 90 days before the trial ends |
| Cost | Not described | $175,998 a year |
Sources: Gulf Coast Media, OBA agenda preview
The numbers don't add up
The agenda preview lists $175,998 a year for years two and three, then a total of $527,994. Two years at that rate is $351,996. $527,994 is three years. Either the paid term is three years, not two, or one of the figures is wrong. Only the signed contract will say.
What we don't know
We have not found a report confirming the council approved the agreement on Oct. 6, or how members voted. The Oct. 6 meeting recording is posted on the city's website, and Island Insider will report the vote.
Questions Orange Beach hasn't answered
- Did the council approve the drone agreement, and by what vote?
- Is the paid term two years or three, and what is the total commitment?
- Who at the city is responsible for sending the cancellation notice on time if the program doesn't work out, and what is the deadline date?
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