Concerns over drone pilot program

North Minneapolis residents dominated a public hearing on July 8 at City Hall regarding a drone pilot program. If approved by the City Council on July 16, two drones would operate out of the Minneapolis Fire Station 14 in the Fourth Precinct as first response technology.
Close to 40 residents were signed up to testify about the pilot program, all of whom disapproved of the idea.

Many North Minneapolis residents expressed distrust with the Minneapolis Police Department, including having additional surveillance tools.

“The solution is not drones,” Ward 4 resident Gabe Heller said. “It’s for the police to get off their duffs and do their jobs.”

Other residents shared concerns about drone surveillance, especially around large events like protests.

Ward 5 resident Heather Michaelson testified that people at protests “will be put under a microscope” due to Minnesota state law that allows government agencies, including law enforcement, to gain access to drone footage by request. Minnesota law states all drone footage needs to be deleted in seven days but any footage deemed to be evidence would be retained indefinitely.

The pilot program does not include usage at large events.

The City would contract with Skydio for the drone pilot program, which also was concerning to residents. Skydio has sent 100 short-range drones to the Israeli military, according to a 2023 article by Politico. The drones produce 3-D scans of buildings in “complex urban environments.” Skydio also supplies drones to the U.S. military and global allies.

Skydio’s dealings with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement were also brought up by residents. The drone company has been selling its X10 model to ICE since at least 2021, according to Forbes. This is the same model MPD would be utilizing in its pilot program.
The Public Health, Safety, and Equity Committee voted to move the pilot program proposal to the full City Council without recommendation (which means the committee didn’t take a position on the proposal). The City Council will vote on the proposal on July 16. Deputy Chief of Patrol Thomas Campbell said, if approved, the drones could be operating as soon as July 20.