White County Commissioners approved funding for the Guardian Over White County drone project, after questions were raised about artificial intelligence, data collection and public access to drone footage.
White County Commissioner Andy Davis said he wanted commissioners to be clear about what type of drone the county would be purchasing. Davis said he wondered about the sophistication of the technology.
“I can see the benefit of, like I, I’ve voiced in the budget, you know, if we’re, if we’re talking about a search and rescue drone,” Davis said, “Go out with infrared capability, we’ve got a lost elderly person or escaped inmate, heaven forbid, I can see the benefit for that.”
Sparta resident Sandy Glitz told commissioners her concerns extend beyond whether a pilot controls the drone. Glitz questioned how information collected by the technology could eventually be used.
“What, what’s important to understand is the information that’s being collected and how it’s progressively being used,” Glitz said.
Glitz also raised concerns about whether members of the public could see live video captured by the drone. Commissioners clarified that flight logs would be searchable, but the public would not have access to the drone’s video.
Davis said his concern centered on the drone having beyond the basic camera-equipped drones he has used.
“I guess I wanna know how, how smart the drone is,” Davis said.
The drone approved requires a pilot at all times and is not designed to automatically respond to incidents. Officials said it can provide personnel on the ground with an aerial view for situational awareness, surveying and search-and-rescue operations.
The Guardian Over White County project is funded through a $33,000 Ascension Saint Thomas Catalyst Grant. The funding will purchase the drone and cover the first year of its software subscription.
Commissioners approved the funding 13-1.