Conroe PD Wants 5 Drones, 16 Tahoes for $935K

Conroe Police Seek Nearly $1 Million for Crucial Drone and Vehicle Upgrades

**CONROE, TX –** The Conroe Police Department has presented a substantial request to the City Council, seeking nearly $1 million to significantly upgrade its technological capabilities and vehicle fleet. The department is asking for a total of $935,370 from the city's general fund to acquire new drones and replace aging patrol vehicles, a move Police Chief John Golden says is vital for public safety and officer effectiveness.

The request was formally presented at the City Council meeting on Thursday, May 23. Chief Golden, who took the helm of the department in March, outlined the critical needs driving the proposal.

A key component of the technology upgrade includes the acquisition of five new DJI Matrice 350 RTK drones, an investment totaling $76,170. These advanced drones are far from basic, equipped with thermal imaging capabilities, powerful spotlights, and integrated speakers. Boasting an impressive 55-minute flight time, Chief Golden emphasized their potential to be "a game-changer" for a wide array of police operations.

"These drones would dramatically enhance our ability to respond to and manage complex situations," Golden stated during his presentation. He highlighted their utility in searching for missing persons, tracking suspects, documenting traffic accidents, assisting in active shooter scenarios, supporting SWAT operations, responding to hazardous material spills, and aiding in search and rescue efforts. The thermal imaging, in particular, would provide a crucial advantage in low-light conditions or dense foliage.

Beyond aerial surveillance, the department is also addressing a pressing need within its ground fleet. The request includes funding for 16 new Chevrolet Tahoe police pursuit vehicles, representing a significant investment of $859,200.

Chief Golden detailed the challenges currently faced by the department's existing fleet. "Our current patrol vehicles, primarily from 2018 to 2020 models, are already clocking over 200,000 miles on many units," he explained. These older vehicles are reportedly accumulating substantial maintenance costs and are frequently out of service for repairs. This not only strains departmental resources but also raises significant safety concerns for officers and impacts response times across the rapidly growing city of Conroe.

The new Tahoes are intended to directly replace these high-mileage units, ensuring that officers have reliable, safe, and up-to-date equipment to perform their duties effectively. "Ensuring our officers have dependable vehicles is paramount to their safety and our ability to serve the community efficiently," Golden added.

The City Council will now consider the detailed request. The approval of these funds would enable the Conroe Police Department to modernize crucial aspects of its operations, aiming to improve emergency response capabilities and enhance overall public safety for Conroe residents. Further discussion and a vote on the proposal are expected at an upcoming council meeting.