MAYOR ADAMS, INTERIM POLICE COMMISSIONER DONLON ANNOUNCE ‘DRONE AS FIRST RESPONDER’ PROGRAM TO REDUCE RESPONSE TIMES AND KEEP NEW YORKERS SAFE

 

Department’s First 24/7 Formalized Drone Unit Will Immediately Deploy Aerial Autonomous Vehicles to Incident Locations and Provide Critical Information to On-the-Ground Response Teams 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Police Department (NYPD) Interim Commissioner Tom Donlon today announced the “Drone as First Responder” (DFR) program, which leverages the latest in aerial autonomous vehicle technology to enhance the NYPD’s emergency-response capabilities as the agency fulfills its mission to keep New Yorkers safe. The DFR program is now operational in five commands in three boroughs, marking a successful expansion of the NYPD’s unmanned aircraft systems initiative. 

  

Located at the 67th, 71st, and 75th police precincts in Brooklyn; the 48th Police Precinct in the Bronx; and the Central Park Precinct in Manhattan, the 10 newest drones — two per command — will be deployed remotely and fly autonomously to the exact longitude and latitude of select priority public safety calls, including searches for missing people, alerts from the ShotSpotter gunshot detection system, incidents of robberies and grand larcenies, and other crimes in progress as needed. The rapid deployment of DFR drones based at station houses supplements the NYPD’s in-person patrol response to 911 calls by supplying high-definition audio and video that is accessible, in real time, on officers and supervisors’ department-issued smartphones. 

  

“New York City is flying into the future as we keep New Yorkers safe,” said Mayor Adams. “While the ‘Drone as First Responder’ program is what precision policing in the 21st century looks like, drone potential is really just taking off. We are leveraging the latest technology to enhance the NYPD’s emergency-response capabilities, remotely sending drones to the exact longitude and latitude of where an emergency call comes and sometimes in as little as a minute. These drones will mean more efficient policing and will help increase the safety of our responding NYPD officers and New Yorkers.”   

  

“When New Yorkers need help, our first responders are always there as quickly as possible to ensure their safety,” said Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Chauncey Parker. “This program adds a powerful tool to our toolkit, enabling police to respond faster and with more accurate information. By using technology to improve efficiency and services, we’re helping those who protect us do their jobs better when every second counts and we’re making our communities even more safe.” 

  

“We are at the forefront of these exciting innovations today, and we must always keep seeking out the benefits of new and improving technology,” said NYPD Interim Commissioner Donlon. “Our DFR program is part of this evolution. It enables our highly trained officers to be even more responsive to the people we serve, and to carry out the NYPD’s critical work in ways that are increasingly effective, efficient, and safe for everyone.” 

  

The DFR initiative is one aspect of the NYPD’s larger drone program that, since late-2018, has deployed drones directly from the hands of on-site operators to perform various tasks: recreating floor plans with 360-degree views and searching collapsed structures, facilitating two-way communication with barricaded individuals, tracking fleeing crime suspects, documenting collision and crime scenes, conducting evidence searches, assisting with warrant executions, helping to effect rescues during storms, and monitoring shark activity off city beaches. NYPD drones were also used to inspect the structural integrity of buildings and bridges following the region’s 4.8-magnitude earthquake earlier this year. Additionally, the technology can potentially be used to drop flotation devices to swimmers in distress and deliver vital first-aid equipment — such as automated external defibrillators, tourniquets, and naloxone (a nasal spray that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose) — to bystanders at emergency scenes. 

  

The key aspects of the NYPD’s DFR program are:   

•    Rapid deployment — Drones are quickly dispatched to incident locations, reaching many areas faster than emergency vehicles on the street and officers on foot. 

•   Enhanced situational awareness — Live video provides early awareness of potential threats to law enforcement personnel. Comprehensive aerial views also allow first responders to assess crime scenes, measure crowd sizes, and strategize how to best manage vehicle and pedestrian traffic situations. 

•   Improved first responder safety — By identifying potential hazards before officers arrive on scenes, safety is exponentially increased for first responders and the public. 

•   New search-and-rescue capabilities — Drones equipped with night-vision and thermal-imaging cameras can greatly assist in locating missing people or criminal suspects, especially across challenging terrain or in low-light conditions. 

•   Evidence collection — High-resolution cameras can capture detailed imagery for the purposes of investigation and documentation. 

•   Hazardous material incidents — Drones can be used to assess potentially dangerous situations without putting human first responders at immediate, undue risk. 

•   Natural disaster response — In the aftermath of hurricanes, floods, or earthquakes, drones can quickly survey large areas to prioritize response efforts. 

•   Transparency — Footage from drones can provide clear, objective evidence of actions taken during incidents and events. 

•   Cost-effectiveness — Drones are significantly less expensive to operate than helicopters, which can be prioritized for other emergency responses. 

  

Every DFR flight is commanded and monitored by an NYPD officer certified as a drone pilot by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). DFR pilots are situated at the Joint Operations Center at police headquarters in lower Manhattan or at one of the department’s off-site Technical Assistance and Response Unit (TARU) stations. Pilots remotely control the drones on a computer screen that displays a live feed, enabling them to make initial scene assessments and quickly broadcast over police radios detailed descriptions of suspects and other timely information considered valuable to central dispatchers and arriving patrol officers. Each DFR mission is additionally monitored in real time by a member of the NYPD’s Legal Bureau. 

  

With the launch of the DFR program, the NYPD now has 100 drones of various sizes and capabilities, and more than 110 FAA-qualified drone operators. NYPD drones have been dispatched on more than 4,000 missions in the past year, including approximately 2,300 priority calls for service. Recorded footage is deleted after 30 days, unless it is to be used to investigate a crime, captures an arrest, or other evidence that must be preserved to assist in a prosecution. 

  

“This is now part of our crime-fighting apparatus, and it is truly a game changer,” said NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Operations Kaz Daughtry. “It is an exciting approach to emergency response that increases our operational efficiency while making everyone much safer. These strategic advantages are the future of policing in New York City and the nation.” 

  

“The ‘Drone as First Responder’ program is an important step in enhancing public safety in our parks, ensuring that all New Yorkers feel secure while enjoying our green spaces,” said New York City Department of Parks and Recreation Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “This innovation not only strengthens our emergency response capabilities, but also enriches the overall park experience, allowing families to focus on what truly matters — creating lasting memories at one of the most famed parks across the world.”

VIRGINIA MAN SENTENCED TO 2-6 YEARS IN PRISON FOR MANSLAUGHTER FOR DRUNK DRIVING CRASH THAT KILLED HIS FRIEND

 

Defendant Slammed into Tractor-Trailer in Hunts Point

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Virginia man has been sentenced to two to six years in prison after pleading guilty to Manslaughter in a drunk driving crash that caused the death of a 20-year-old man who was a passenger in his car. 

District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant was intoxicated, speeding, and driving the wrong way on a one-way street when his car hit a tractor trailer. He killed his friend who was a passenger in that car, ending a young life and forever changing his own.” 

The defendant, T’Andre Hatcher, 22, of Chesapeake, Virginia was sentenced on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, to two to six years in prison, license suspension upon release from prison, and waiver of right to appeal, on one count of second-degree Manslaughter by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Joseph McCormack. He pleaded guilty to that charge on September 24, 2024.

According to the investigation, on January 8, 2022, at 5:18 am, the defendant was driving a 2018 Infiniti Q50 sedan at 75mph the wrong way on Oak Point Avenue in the Hunts Point section when he crashed into a tractor trailer as it was passing through the intersection at Manida Street. The force of the impact killed his passenger, 20-year-old Frankely Nunez Payano. An open bottle of tequila was found in the car. A blood alcohol test determined that the defendant was driving while intoxicated. The investigation was largely based on surveillance video, blood test results, and information from the car’s “black box”. 

District Attorney Clark thanked NYPD Police Officer Gregory Gianacopulos of Highway 1 Crash Investigation Squad and NYPD Neighborhood Coordination Officer Bryan Jones of the 41st Precinct for their work in the investigation. 

Housing Lottery Launches for Wakefield Grace Senior Housing at 4750 White Plains Road in Wakefield, The Bronx

The affordable housing lottery has launched for Wakefield Grace Senior Housing, a six-story mixed-used building at 4750 White Plains Road in Wakefield, The Bronx. Designed by Marin Architects, the structure yields 73 residences. Available on NYC Housing Connect are 50 units for residents at 50 to 60 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $0 to $83,880. 

Amenities include free Wi-Fi, elevator, computer room, fitness room, community room, a shared laundry room, and a rooftop deck. Residences are available for individuals or households that have at least one member who is 62 years of age or older at the time of application and meet the income and household size requirements. Eligible applicants must qualify for Section 8 and will pay 30 percent of their household income in rent. Rent includes all utilities. 

At 50 percent of the AMI, there are eight studios with a monthly rent of $0 for incomes ranging from $0 to $62,150. 

At 60 percent of the AMI, there are 41 studios with a monthly rent of $0 for incomes ranging from $0 to $74,580, and one one-bedroom with a monthly rent of $0 for incomes ranging from $0 to $83,880. 

Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for these apartments. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than January 13, 2024. 

Bronx Juvenile Detention Center Supervisor Pleads Guilty In Connection With Beating Of 16-Year-Old Resident And False Report

 

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced the guilty plea of DAQUAN SEYMOUR, a supervisor at the Horizon Juvenile Center (“Horizon”), a secure detention center for juveniles located in the Bronx, New York, in connection with his beating of a 16-year-old resident at Horizon (“Minor Victim-1”), and attempt to cover-up the beating, on April 25, 2022.  SEYMOUR pled guilty to depriving Minor Victim-1 of his constitutional rights under color of law.  As part of his guilty plea, SEYMOUR admitted that he prepared a false report following the assault of Minor Victim-1 on April 25, 2022, in which he omitted reference to the assault of Minor Victim-1.  In addition, as part of his guilty plea, SEYMOUR also agreed not to dispute that he falsified another incident report in connection with an earlier attempted assault of a 17-year-old resident at Horizon (“Minor Victim-2”) on December 29, 2021.  SEYMOUR was arrested on July 26, 2023, and pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Edgardo Ramos. 

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Daquan Seymour, a supervisor at a juvenile detention facility, abused his position of authority by assaulting a vulnerable sixteen-year-old boy who was detained pending trial.  Seymour also lied on his reports about this and another assault on a minor in his care. Seymour’s pattern of violence toward youth and obstruction has now come to an end as he faces justice. This Office is committed to protecting the constitutional rights of all New Yorkers, including minors residing at youth detention facilities, and will ensure that those who abuse their power and harm vulnerable members of our society are held accountable.” 

According to the allegations in the Indictment, Superseding Indictment, other public court documents, and statements made in court proceedings:

On or about April 25, 2022, SEYMOUR was employed as an Associate Youth Development Specialist at Horizon, which was operated by the New York City Administration for Children’s Services (“ACS”).  Associate Youth Development Specialists at Horizon are responsible for, among other things, supervising other staff members and ensuring the safety of all juvenile residents. 

At the time of the beating, Minor Victim-1 was a 16-year-old juvenile resident at Horizon, who was detained pending trial.  Following a confrontation between several staff members and juvenile residents at Horizon, including Minor Victim-1, SEYMOUR, along with a fellow supervisor violently dragged Minor Victim-1 by his forearms across the floor of a residential hall and into a private room (the “Room”).  Once inside the Room, SEYMOUR and the other supervisor beat Minor Victim-1, striking him repeatedly and forcefully as Minor Victim-1 lay on the floor.  As a result of the beating, Minor Victim-1 suffered bodily injuries, including a deep laceration to his upper lip area, which required Minor Victim-1 to be transported to a nearby hospital for emergency medical care where he received nine stitches. 

Following the beating of Minor Victim-1, SEYMOUR attempted to cover up his participation in the beating.  In particular, SEYMOUR prepared an incident report that described the confrontation between Horizon residents and staff members that immediately preceded the assault but failed to disclose that he dragged or physically assaulted Minor Victim-1.

SEYMOUR, 34, of the Bronx, New York, pled guilty to one count of deprivation of rights under color of law, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.   

The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge.

Mr. Williams praised the efforts of the Department of Investigation for their outstanding work on this matter.  Mr. Williams also thanked the Special Agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York for their significant assistance.

Attorney General James Warns New Yorkers of Health Insurance Scams During Open Enrollment for Affordable Care Act Plans

 

New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a consumer alert warning New Yorkers about common health insurance scams as open enrollment begins for insurance plans through New York’s Affordable Care Act marketplace. New Yorkers have until December 15, 2024, to enroll through the New York State of Health marketplace for health coverage taking effect January 1, 2025. Health insurance scams spike during open enrollment periods, and the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is providing consumers with tips to protect themselves against potential scams.  

“New Yorkers must be able to secure health insurance free from predatory scammers trying to take advantage of them,” said Attorney General James. “As New Yorkers take advantage of this year’s open enrollment period, I urge everyone to be cautious and contact my office if they think they are the target of a scam or fraud. Affordable and accessible health care is a fundamental right, and my office will do everything in its power to protect New Yorkers seeking to secure insurance for themselves and their families.” 

Enrollment in New York’s public health programs – Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and the Essential plan – is open year-round. However, New York state requires enrollees to renew their eligibility for these health plans every year. Enrollees are sent renewal notices well in advance of their coverage end dates with detailed instructions on how to stay covered and their deadline to renew. To enroll in commercial health insurance for 2025, New Yorkers must do so during the open enrollment period which lasts from November 1, 2024 to January 31, 2025. New Yorkers have until December 15 to enroll for coverage that will start on January 1, 2025. Otherwise, coverage will begin February 1, 2025.

New Yorkers should look out for the following tactics scammers use to target those who are trying to obtain or keep health insurance:

• Scammers often use fear by threatening New Yorkers that their Medicaid or other health coverage is at risk of cancellation, or that they have already lost their Medicaid or other health coverage unless they provide hundreds of dollars to reinstate or continue benefits.
• Scammers will also use false offers of generosity to lure New Yorkers into providing personal information. This is typically done through phishing scams offering people gift cards or money to “update” their health accounts so as not to lose coverage.
• Scammers may ask for money to enroll people in marketplace or "Obamacare" insurance. The New York agencies that administer Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and Essential Plan benefits will never use the term “Obamacare” or ask for money from consumers to enroll or re-enroll. They will also not offer New Yorkers rewards to renew their coverage.

Attorney General James provided the following tips and reminders for New Yorkers to avoid common scams:   

• No one can ever charge a fee to renew health insurance in Medicaid, Child Health Plus, or the Essential Plan.  
• If enrolled in health insurance through the NY State of Health, many people are available to help you renew for free. These include the state’s health-certified enrollment assistors (including navigators, agents, and brokers) and customer service representatives. For information or guidance, visit the NY State of Health website or call 1-855-355-5777. The phone line is available Monday – Friday from 8 AM – 8 PM and on Saturday from 9 AM – 1 PM.    
• If enrolled in Medicaid through either your county’s Medicaid office or through New York City’s Human Resources Administration (HRA), there are also many people available to help for free. Contact the office where you enrolled to ask questions and get help with renewing insurance.  
• Government agencies will never threaten, demand payment, or ask for credit information in a text message, email, or phone call.   
• Many websites will try to make residents think that they are the official New York state health insurance marketplace. There is only one official NY State of Health website. Submitting contact information to some websites may lead to calls, texts, or emails from scammers.

Any New Yorker who suspects that they are a victim of a scam is encouraged to report it to OAG by submitting a complaint online or calling 1-800-771-7755.  

NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR MARKS TRANSGENDER AWARENESS WEEK BY ANNOUNCING $1 MILLION WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT GRANT OPPORTUNITY

Interested Organizations Can Apply Here

The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) announced a $1 million workforce development grant opportunity for organizations that serve transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary (TGNCNB) individuals. The release of this funding opportunity marks Transgender Awareness Week, which runs November 13 through 19. This grant, first announced in Governor Hochul's 2024 State of the State Agenda, is part of the Governor's $12.25 million investment for the Lorena Borjas Transgender and Non-Binary Wellness and Equity Fund, continuing to build upon the state’s commitment to the TGNCNB community.

“Transgender Awareness Week is an opportunity to honor the lives and contributions of the TGNCNB community across New York State,” said New York State Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon. “This new funding allows us to continue to raise up those important voices throughout the year by supporting vital workforce training programs that truly understand their needs.”

Funding through this grant will support organizations that demonstrate the capacity to increase access to employment for TGNCNB individuals, promote employment equity for TGNCNB individuals through full and equal access to training services, and eliminate bias and discrimination based on gender identity and expression in the workplace. Funds can be used for organizations to develop and enhance comprehensive workforce development services and expenses, including:

• Occupational skills training
• Career development services
• Supportive services

These funds seek to help TGNCNB individuals enter the workforce, qualify for employment, achieve full employment, or increase wages through skill development. Interested organizations can learn more and apply for funding here. Grant submissions are due January 17, 2025. Grant awards will range between $50,000 and $250,000 per year.

In June, the Department announced plans for this grant and encouraged interested organizations to come forward so staff could provide technical assistance to help them prepare for the application process. Since that time, dozens of organizations were engaged, many of which took part in related grant process training webinars.

This program also follows the release of NYSDOL's 2023 TGNCNB Employment Report, which found that community relationships and skill development are key to enhancing TGNCNB individuals' economic mobility.