The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) recently announced that it has awarded a total of $89,141 to nine different law enforcement agencies across Colorado, including $13,678 to the Pagosa Springs Police Department (PSPD).
These Persons Who Wander grants will be used to purchase drones and GPS tracking fobs or watches, which will help to improve search and rescue efforts for individuals who wander.
“The Persons Who Wander grant program is critical in supporting law enforcement agencies in their efforts to keep our communities safe,” said Chris Schaefer, director of the CBI. “These grants will provide them with the resources they need to quickly locate missing persons, especially those who may be vulnerable and prone to wandering.”
In 2024, CBI issued 63 Senior Alerts, which was one-third of all alerts issued statewide and more than all the Amber, Medina and Missing Endangered alerts combined.
The PSPD was awarded $13,678 for a DJI M30T drone.
“Using technology, especially drones, to assist the Pagosa Springs Police Department locate missing persons is an effective and efficient method,” PSPD Assistant Chief Brooks Brown wrote in a statement. “Drones can quickly cover large areas and provide real-time aerial views, which enhance search efforts, particularly in challenging or remote terrains. This technological advancement will significantly improve the department’s ability to find vulnerable individuals, such as those prone to wandering, and ensure a faster, more coordinated response in critical situations.”
The other law enforcement agencies receiving grants include:
• Mesa County Sheriff’s Office: $17,775 for program literature and AngelSense units (fobs and watches).
• Louisville Police Department: $10,000 for an annual subscription fee and a drone.
• Prowers County Sheriff’s Office: $10,000 for two Autel EVO II Dual 640T V3 Thermal Drones.
• Cortez Police Department: $12,265 for drone pilot licenses and two Autel EVO II Dual 640T drones.
• Routt County Sheriff’s Office: $9,000 for a FLIR SIRAS Drone.
• Washington County Sheriff’s Office: $8,000 for a drone pilot certification class and a drone.
• City of Aurora: $4,534 for AngelSense accessories.
• Elbert County: $3,889 for a DJI Mavic 3 Pro Fly More Combo.
In 2022, Colorado lawmakers created the Persons Who Wander grant that provides nearly $90,000 dollars to assist local law enforcement with recovery programs.