Dozens of community members flooded Minneapolis City Hall Wednesday to express concerns about a proposed drone program for Minneapolis police. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Associated Press.
Nearly 50 people signed up to speak at the City Council's public health, safety and equity committee meeting. Residents filled all of the seats in the council chambers reserved for the public, and an overflow room next door.
“We just spent months enduring a brutal winter of military-equipped federal occupation and terrorization, and on the heels of that, you wish to provide military-grade drone tech to the cops in our already over-surveilled neighborhoods?” said north Minneapolis resident Will Reely, referring to federal immigration enforcement during Operation Metro Surge.
Speakers said they don't trust how the police would use drones, and are concerned the technology could be used as surveillance and lead to invasion of privacy.
The committee moved to put the pilot program for a vote before the full council on July 16. Should the council approve, the trial period would begin as soon as July 20.
The project would be conducted in the police department's Fourth Precinct on the city's north side, and hopes to reduce 911 response times by using drones to livestream video of potential crime scenes before officers arrive. The drones, equipped with parachutes, police markings and lights, would be provided by Skydio.
Several community members noted that Skydio supplies drones to the Israeli government. “We see them as weapons of war and mass surveillance,” said Minneapolis resident Meredith Aby.
Before the public comment period, Minneapolis police officials presented the pilot program, saying it would improve officer and community safety and help with staffing challenges. Andy Skoogman, chief of staff for the city's Office of Community Safety, said drones are “simply a tool that helps ensure the right resources are sent to the right call at the right time.”
Thomas Campbell, deputy chief of patrol, said the drones would be operated remotely, only activated at potential crime scenes, and cameras would be pointed away from private property. Footage not considered evidence would be deleted after seven days.
Minneapolis police have been using drones since 2022, with a fleet of 29 drones. Currently, officers launch drones from squad car trunks after arriving at a scene. The proposed program would allow drones to scope out a scene before officers arrive.
Minnesota law allows police to use drones without a warrant in emergencies or when there is risk of death or bodily harm.