The Brookfield Police Department is getting some drones.  The Board of Selectmen signed off on $15,700 from the Police Outside Service Fund being used to also purchase the associated software and equipment and for training.  The Brookfield Police Department is looking to launch a drone program to help respond to calls for service. 

Recurring costs will include continued training, subscription-based software services, equipment maintenance and replacement and end-of-life hardware replacement. 

Recently retired Chief James Purcell wrote to the Board that the expense related to training and equipment to deploy a helicopter is prohibitive for most municipalities, and that the long lead time from the first call to getting existing regional helicopter assets on scene may force responders to proceed into unknown dangers.  He added that this would be an invaluable resource for safety and efficiency in pursuit of a successful resolution to incidents.  Purcell says this would also help with mutual aid to other towns. 

The drone, with high-resolution optical camera, costs $4,000.  The drone with high-resolution thermal camera is $9,000.  Depending on the amount of use, an in-service drone should be expected to have an operational life span of three to five years.