Primary Department: Sheriff
Primary Department Head/Elected Official: Ed Gonzalez, Sheriff
Secondary Department: N/A
Secondary Department Head/Elected Official:
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Grant - Application
Project ID (if applicable):
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): U.S. Department of Justice
MWBE Contracted Goal (if applicable):
MWBE Current Participation (if applicable):
Justification for 0% MWBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request
Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): 3.5%
Justification for 0% Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): N/A - Rate is not 0% and is listed above.
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
title
Request by the Sheriff’s Office for approval to submit an application to the U.S. Department of Justice for grant funds in the amount of $199,850, with no required match, for the FY26 COPS Microgrants Grant (Mobile Drone First Response Program).
end
Background and Discussion:
This grant funding would support the purchase of two public safety drones capable of flying 2-plus hours, along with thermal imaging and high-resolution cameras, and two licenses to fly from a computer. Two exterior drones will also be purchased with thermal imaging and high-resolution cameras. Unlike traditional fixed drone systems, the mobile platform can be relocated anywhere in the county to support emergency incidents, natural disasters, missing person searches, traffic incidents, and other high-priority public safety events, providing greater flexibility and broader service coverage. There is no match required.
Expected Impact:
This equipment will deliver rapid aerial support during emergencies throughout Harris County, aligning with the county’s strategic goal of making Harris County more safe and just and reduce violent crime across the county.
Alternative Options:
Not applying for this grant would forfeit the opportunity to receive needed funds.
County Strategic Plan Goal: 1. ...
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