EAST BRIDGEWATER — Chief Michael Jenkins is pleased to announce that the East Bridgewater Police Department has secured a $25,000 state earmark to establish a new drone program that will provide critical tools to improve public safety, officer safety and community protection.
The funding was awarded through the Fiscal Year 2026 state budget under Line Item 8000-0313, which supports local public safety projects and grant programs across Massachusetts.
The $25,000 earmark will be used to support the Department’s drone program, including the purchase of equipment, training and related operational needs.
“This funding allows us to bring in technology that will directly support our officers and the community,” said Chief Jenkins. “A drone gives officers the ability to see more and make informed decisions in situations where time and information matter.”
The drone program will support a range of public safety functions. In emergencies, drones can quickly reach hard-to-access areas, providing real-time information to officers on the ground. This can improve response times and help guide decision making.
Drones will also be used in search-and-rescue operations, allowing officers to cover large areas more efficiently while searching for missing or endangered individuals.
In potentially dangerous situations, drones can provide an aerial view before officers enter a situation, helping reduce risk. The technology can also assist with documenting crash scenes, monitoring large events and supporting investigations.
The Department expects the program will be cost-effective by reducing the need for special equipment in certain situations, such as large vehicle deployments, saving taxpayer money and reducing the Department’s carbon footprint.
Chief Jenkins said that the Department will implement the program with a focus on transparency.
“Our goal is to use this tool in a way that supports public safety while maintaining the trust of the community we serve,” Jenkins said.
The East Bridgewater Police Department will begin implementing the drone program later this year.
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