Drone Program Initiative

December 23, 2024
 St. Anthony and Lauderdale Communities:

 The St. Anthony Police Department is seeking to obtain a drone, otherwise known as Small Unmanned Aerial Service (SUAS), to add to its fleet of tools to keep the community safe. Drones are becoming more common in law enforcement to assist in the capture of fleeing criminal suspects, locate missing persons, and to survey large public events for any potential threat to public safety.

The goal of the St. Anthony Police Drone Program is to survey an area where law enforcement reasonably believes a fleeing suspect maybe located, as well as to find missing and vulnerable persons, or to monitor large-scale public events to identify potential security threats. The drone program will not replace any existing proactive and/or reactive patrol efforts by our police officers or used to conduct surveillance of community members. 

The police department is considering a drone that is manufactured specifically for law enforcement functions. Officers who would like to be a drone operator must undergo training and examination as outlined by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines. 

When the drone is deployed, our officers shall abide by Minnesota State Law, police department policy, and FAA regulations.   Under state law, a police department is required to report drone flights and the reason for the operation to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA). For more information about law enforcement drone operations, visit dps.mn.gov/divisions/bca/data-and-reports/uav-uav-annual-reports

As part of our process in obtaining a drone, we are seeking input from our community. We want to hear your questions, comments, and/or concerns to better aid in our decision making.  If you would like to leave feedback, please visit: savmn.com/droneprogramcomments.

There will also be an opportunity for public comment during the City of St. Anthony City Council meeting on January 28, 2025. You can also send written comments to 

St. Anthony Police Department
Attn: Chief Jeff Spiess
3301 Silver Lake Rd., St. Anthony Village, MN 55418

DOCUMENTS:

About Drone Program Initiative (PDF)