K
Kathleen Martin
Guest
Starting a drone program is a significant undertaking and may be intimidating if you have no experience launching a new technological program. There are many considerations at every step of the journey, but one of the most fundamental steps is to acquire funding and support.
Agencies are often strapped for cash when it comes to routine purchases, so it can be difficult to get funding for a new technology without a proven track record.
Over 60% of public safety agencies are operating on less than $10,000 per year, and about 23% are operating a drone program on less than $1,000. These budget constraints are a big reason why we see aircraft like the ANAFI or the Mavic Air getting a lot of use by public safety agencies. While they weren’t originally designed for enterprise or agency use, they’re reliable and less expensive than larger commercial-grade systems, making them more accessible.
Here I’ll walk through some ideas and strategies for building, launching and receiving support for a new public sector drone program.
THE IMPORTANCE OF TRANSPARENCY
Public sector agencies with experience successfully launching these programs have demonstrated that approaching the community, whether private citizens or local businesses, is beneficial to the sustainability of a drone program. It’s necessary to help the public understand what the program will offer and what it will be used for – which can even lead to funding opportunities.
Initially skeptical, the public may ask:
Agencies are often strapped for cash when it comes to routine purchases, so it can be difficult to get funding for a new technology without a proven track record.
Over 60% of public safety agencies are operating on less than $10,000 per year, and about 23% are operating a drone program on less than $1,000. These budget constraints are a big reason why we see aircraft like the ANAFI or the Mavic Air getting a lot of use by public safety agencies. While they weren’t originally designed for enterprise or agency use, they’re reliable and less expensive than larger commercial-grade systems, making them more accessible.
Here I’ll walk through some ideas and strategies for building, launching and receiving support for a new public sector drone program.
THE IMPORTANCE OF TRANSPARENCY
Public sector agencies with experience successfully launching these programs have demonstrated that approaching the community, whether private citizens or local businesses, is beneficial to the sustainability of a drone program. It’s necessary to help the public understand what the program will offer and what it will be used for – which can even lead to funding opportunities.
Initially skeptical, the public may ask:
- Will they be weaponized?
- Will you spy on me?
- Will you violate my rights?
