Newport Deploys Drone for First Responders | Providence News

Providence News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 23, 2026 · 1m

Newport’s first responders are getting a game-changing aerial eye: a Flock Safety drone, approved by city council to boost emergency response. Police say it could have changed the outcome of recent shootings by capturing critical evidence, while firefighters see it as vital for spotting hidden fire hazards. Priced at $375,000, the system is partially funded by a private donor, with deployment limited to specific emergency calls—only activating when it reaches the scene. Privacy is front and center: a public portal tracks drone activity, footage is stored like body cam video, and the city…