The New Orleans City Council approved the NOPD's plans to use a drone to respond to emergency calls in a narrow vote Thursday afternoon.
The "drone-as-first-responder" program would dispatch a drone to give police a first look at reported crime scenes in the French Quarter before ground-based officers can arrive.
Police said that in addition to a camera, the drone would come equipped with a speaker that would allow police to broadcast messages if necessary, and a spotlight.
Police said the drone could also carry an inflatable flotation device in case it was needed for search-and-rescue operations over the river.
Several members of the public spoke in opposition of the plan, citing privacy concerns. Supporters said a drone could be a useful way to help a police department that is short on officers.
The vote was 4-3, with Councilmembers Matthew Willard, Aimee McCarron, and Lesli Harris against.
The French Quarter Management District is providing $250,000 for the program.
