ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - A private company that was scheduled to do a drone test at Gravois Park sometime this year has canceled plans to do the test.
SMS Novel, a film company based in Washington D.C., originally announced plans in December 2023 to test drones cameras in Gravois Park to see if they can deter crime at night. But public backlash from the public has forced the company to cancel plans.
"We believe our program could have played a role in preventing a significant number of violent crimes in Gravois Park, especially those affecting minority residents," said Joe Johnson, a representative of SMS Novel in a statement. "We are saddened to withdraw, knowing that our service could have enhances safety, potentially saving lives and aiding in suspect identification."
The company says they have received death threats from Gravois Park residents and business owners in opposition of their testing program.
"Despite our sincere efforts in communication and transparency, it has become apparent that some resident prioritize their "concern" our public privacy, hindering collaborative efforts to address crime effectively," said Johnson.
The program has faced some criticism and backlash from both residents and public officials. St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones publicly admitted she was against the use of drones to capture criminals.
7th Ward Alderwoman Alisha Sonnier told KMOX she was planning to introduce new legislation regulating these drones, after her constituents told her this is not a good solution to deter crime.
"Not a single resident, not a single one, has come to me and said this is a solution to deal with crime," said Sonnier. "This actually makes me feel very
unsafe."
However, the company says they will still continue to conduct the Beta test, but in a unnamed neighborhood at a time of their choosing. Additionally, they plan to hire 20 residents to provide "on-demand drone services, contributing to community involvement and employment opportunities in the St. Louis-area."