
Watertown council approves police application for technology grant
The Watertown City Council approved the Police Department’s application for a state grant that could fund drones and a roadway data platform.
By the ClickNNY North Country Desk
The Watertown City Council approved the Police Department’s application for a state technology grant that could provide up to $250,000 for equipment, including drones and a roadway intelligence platform.
The platform would use anonymous smartphone data to provide information about traffic speed, congestion and volume. Police said it would not capture license plates, identify individual drivers or use stationary cameras. The department also plans to review vendors and privacy concerns before selecting technology. Drones could be used to assess scenes, cover difficult terrain and help locate missing people or people hiding from police.
Reported by ClickNNY and reviewed by an editor before publication.
More from ClickNNY
Guides and features from across the North Country.

ClickNNY Election 2026 · Showdown in Jefferson County
Ousted by his own party, still on the ballot: inside Jefferson County’s three-way fight for power
Knocked off his own party's line in June, an incumbent refuses to quit. A 24-year legislator faces his first opponent in years. And a challenger vows to break up a board with no Democrats. Here's who is fighting for your vote on Nov. 3.

ClickNNY Guide · Community
Protecting hibernating bats in St. Lawrence County: what to know
New York residents, including those in St. Lawrence County, can help protect hibernating bats by avoiding restricted caves and mines, limiting tree removal during the winter, and using trained wildlife professionals for bats in homes.

ClickNNY Special Report · Technology
The Good. The Bad. The Rogue.
AI agents are here, working for us, being used against us and, it appears, sometimes doing what nobody told them to. What it means for North Country jobs, money and privacy, and what is still unanswered.