MOBILE, Ala. — The city of Mobile has launched a tethered drone program aimed at improving public safety at city parks and large events, using a system that keeps a drone connected to a ground station for extended, real-time aerial monitoring.
The Fotokite-based “aerial situational awareness” program, which the city says began in May, follows research by the Gulf Coast Technology Center into drone technology capable of providing livestream safety overwatch of popular areas and events. Mobile Director of Public Safety Curtis Graves said the system “isn’t meant to invade anyone’s privacy,” adding: “Instead, it gives our first responders an additional tool to assess large events in real-time and the ability to monitor parks and other areas while aggressively pursuing our public safety efforts.” Officials say the tethered system is expected to improve emergency response times and increase incident command visibility.
Mayor Spiro Cheriogotis said the technology will be especially useful given the number of large events held in Mobile throughout the year. “Drones have proven to be useful tools for agencies around the country, especially where big crowds are present,” Cheriogotis said. “This is a cost-effective way to enhance what we’re already doing to help keep the public safe.” City officials say the tethered drones will supplement Mobile’s existing citywide park surveillance camera program going forward.