Should Savage Police Use Drones?
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
According to the Brookings Institute, some drone policies for police include loopholes that may make it relatively easy for police to justify wider drone use. It specifically cites the Minnesota law. “The Minnesota law, for example, permits police to use drones to collect data in public areas if ‘there is reasonable suspicion of criminal activity,’ an exemption at risk of being broadly applied.”
The presence of drones as a means of aerial surveillance will have a “chilling effect” on the public, preventing people from exercising their legitimate right to peaceful protest.
I’d say that if the Savage Police Dept gets drones, they should have to report out their use of drones annually to the public. The police drones should also be easy for the public to identify. They should also make the public aware of the drone make, model, capabilities, and detailed regulations that the Savage police will follow, approved and reviewed annually by the city council.
I understand the use of drones for search and rescue.
I think they could be of use, but worry about privacy. Our department is small so that is a VERY small concern as long as they aren't used outside of the police department.
The main concerns are if they become city hall use vs police use.
I do see drones as a helpful public safety tool but only under VERY specific scenarios
Yes, this is a great tool to use. Frankly I thought Savage would already have them. I support them when used for the life-threatening emergencies, searching for missing people, serious crash scenes, natural disasters, and keeping an eye on large public gatherings. And if the footage is not needed it's deleted.
Sounds like a good idea to me.
Seems like a good idea.
Absolutely.
I am supportive of using drones, especially because the funding will not use taxpayer dollars.
Yes, the police department should be able to use drones. The safety of the community is too important and technology is a vital way to help.
Definitely a good thing to see our city catching up to many of our surrounding communities. Drones are excellent tools for law enforcement and public safety officials to use. When used properly they allow our public servants to carry out their responsibilities from a safe location, provide valuable reconnaisance, and help our command centers make better decisions. Like any good tool, the danger of it being used improperly also exists, but I believe our officers are trustworthy and that there are good checks and balances in place to curtail improper use. In my opinion the benefits far outweigh the risks. I also believe that the drones won't be used as often as some might think, but when the need arises it would be good to have them available.
Drones provide a low cost and fast way to detect, investigate, and prevent crime. The potential for misuse exists, however our police force has a demonstrated track record of making ethical decisions. With the appropriate training I feel this would be an excellent addition to our cities safety.
Definitely! Drones can save lives and protect police officers!
Yes. It’s either drones or a helicopter. And Savage isn’t large enough for a helicopter.
Who's Listening
-
Phone 952-882-2600 Email mheski@savagemn.gov
Thank you for your contribution!
Help us reach out to more people in the community
Share this with family and friends