Minneapolis residents pack hearing on drones-as-first-responders program
The Minneapolis Police Department could start using drones to help do their jobs, but some residents say the higher level of surveillance isn't worth it.
The City Council chambers were so packed on Wednesday for a committee hearing that they opened an overflow room, and even that room completely filled up. Over 40 residents shared their concerns with the council members about the drones-as-first-responder program.
"We watched [federal immigration officers] come in here with drones, we watched ICE come here and violate our constitutional rights. Every technology given to state and federal law enforcement has been abused," said a resident.
Police say it would be a free 75-day trial period in the Fourth Precinct with the company Skydio, Inc., and the drones would have police markings and flash red-and-blue lights. They say the goal is to see if drones can improve emergency response times, make both the public and the first responders safer and help clear calls when police aren't needed.
Several other agencies already use these drones, including in St. Paul and Minnetonka, but Minneapolis residents pushed back Wednesday, expressing concerns about surveillance and the company the city could potentially contract with.
"We're not OK with any version of big brother," said a resident.
On its website, Skydio describes itself as "the largest U.S. drone manufacturer and world leader in flying robots," and "is trusted by every branch of the U.S. military and by 29 allied nations."
Some residents at Wednesday's hearing criticized Skydio, claiming the company works with the Israel Defense Force. WCCO has reached out to the company for comment.
"We don't trust the people or the system administering this," said a resident.
The City Council members who will eventually make a final call on this program are pretty divided.
"I'm always going to be looking for ideas and ways to help, and that is exactly what this pilot is. This is not a long-term commitment," said Ward 4 Council member Latrisha Vetaw.
Ward 9 Council member Jason Chavez speculated about the use of police drones for surveillance of protesters.
"There was flight records released that at least 31 times it was used to surveil an 'ICE OUT' protest in Downtown Los Angeles, which saw thousands of peaceful protesters march against the Trump administration occupation of Minneapolis," Chavez said.
Ultimately, the City Council committee voted to move that item forward to the full council without recommendation, so this debate will be back on full display next week.
