Should Savage Police Use Drones?
Consultation has concluded
Tell us what you think.
The Savage Police Department is thinking about buying two drones to support law enforcement operations. They’d use them for things like finding missing people, getting a bird’s-eye view during emergencies, and keeping our community safer overall. Here’s why it matters. Right now, if we need a drone, we have to wait for another agency to send one. Having our own means faster response times when every second counts.
The cost: This wouldn't come out of your taxes. We'd pay for the drones using community donations and department forfeiture funds.
What about privacy? We get it. That's a real concern. Minnesota law is pretty specific about when police can use drones without a warrant. Think life-threatening emergencies, searching for missing people, serious crash scenes, natural disasters, and keeping an eye on large public gatherings. They can also be used in public spaces when there's reasonable suspicion of a crime, for training officers, or at community events. And here's an important safeguard: per state statute 626.19, we're required to delete drone footage within seven days unless it's part of an active criminal investigation or needs to be kept for other specific legal reasons.
The bottom line? This decision affects everyone in Savage, and the city wants to hear what you think. Do you see drones as a helpful public safety tool? Do you have concerns about privacy or how they might be used? Your perspective matters
Public Comments
Consultation has concludedI am supportive as long as all laws are followed and periodic audit takes place to ensure everyone is complying with the law
I'm opposed to Drones in general for public use. I understand the practical use by emergency responders, but I'm concerned about misuse by law enforcement. If the Savage police had restricted use for emergencies only, and not surveillance, I would be in favor of it.
I'm in favor of the police acquiring drones to be used to aid surveillance as needed. The newer high tech drones can accomplish what a helicopter can provide, but at a much lower cost and they can be on scene quicker than waiting for a helicopter crew. Viewing a
scene from above has definite advantages over ground searching.
David Sibinski
Yes Savage should purchase drone(s) to aid emergency services.
Particularly in the case of search and rescue, time is of the essence and quick response is essential.
Also, the staff or user needs to practice on the equipment to gain skill.
I view the state laws governing the police use of drones as adequate.
Yes, Law Enforcement should use any means available to keep the community safe. As long as it used lawfully I see no issues with the use of drones in Savage.
Yes!! I support the use of and training of these drones. I feel like they will easily aid in responding to active situations where our officers and first responders lives could be at risk. first responder safety, scene safety, and community safety is mission critical and it’s an even easier YES when it’s not costing the taxpayers anything.
#Remember Paul, Matthew & Adam
Good idea. No problems that I can see.
I think drone technology would be very beneficial for life-threatening emergencies, searching for missing people, and in case of natural disasters. For these reasons, I think the city should be allowed to use these tools to help Savage residents. Thank you…
I think drones would be a great tool for law enforcement. I trust police and city leaders to create and enforce guidelines for use.
Yes! Absolutely! Use whatever it takes to get crime under control! Also, use traffic cameras to stop the ridiculous, blatant traffic violations such as running red lights!
Drones seem like a wise idea.
I think it’s a great idea for the police department to have their own drones on hand. This equipment needs to be dispatched quickly to be effective and when time is of the essence. Having to wait for a unit from another city is just wasting precious time. It would also be nice to be able to utilize these for community events.
Yes within existing guidelines and restrictions.
Yes I think drones could be used for safety. I do have a slight concern about privacy. Would we be able to purchase a couple and see how they are used in real time?
Great move, and my property taxes should go towards the purchase and support. Drones are an extremely effective tool our Police and Fire should have funded.
Rather than my property taxes going to many different NGOs use it for supporting our cops and fire fighters.
Yes to drones.
Fully support their use. Can they be marked to recognize them as law enforcement related?
For the purposes stated, I think use of drones makes a lot of sense.
Fully support their use. Can they be marked to recognize them as law enforcement related?
No! Unless the city of Savage can show historically how the use of borrowed drones has enhanced its law enforcement capability for the protection of its citizens without compromising our privacy. Also, prior to implementing drone usage, the city/ police department must developed specific public policy for voter approval. The introductory question to this survey is quite vague, I resist an acceptance of this topic with such little information and without the benefit of objective analysis and discussion on the benefits and concerns to the citizens of Savage.
Drones can be very helpful when used correctly. I do have a slight concern that they will also be used to invade people's privacy. I do not trust the Government to always do the right thing, so as of now I would not want them to be used.
Who's Listening
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Phone 952-882-2600 Email mheski@savagemn.gov