City Council Meeting Date: December 2, 2025
To: Mayor and City Council
City Administrator
From: Jeff Schroepfer, Chief of Police
Title
Public Hearing on Police Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (Drones) Program and Accepting Public Comment.
Body
Action Requested:
The Northfield City Council discuss and accept public comment on the Police Department’s proposed Unmanned Aerial Vehicle - UAV (drone) program and policy.
Summary Report:
The Northfield Police Department is proposing the acquisition and implementation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle - UAV (drone) technology to enhance public safety operations. In accordance with Minnesota Statute § 626.19, law enforcement agencies must provide an opportunity for public comment before purchasing or using unmanned aerial vehicles.
This council meeting will provide the City Council and public an opportunity to review and comment on the department’s proposed policy and intended use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle - UAV (drone) in police operations.
The Police Department’s UAV program is designed to improve response capabilities in emergencies, assist in search and rescue missions, aid in evidence collection, and provide situational awareness during critical incidents, while maintaining transparency and protecting individual privacy rights.
The proposed UAV policy has been reviewed to ensure compliance with Minnesota Statute § 626.19, the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. The police department policy will be published as part of the agenda packet for public review and comment. A city website was built for the drone program, including the policy and ability for public comment.
Reasoning for a Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Program
The Northfield Police Department continuously evaluates technology that enhances community safety, officer effectiveness, and transparency. The use of drones has become a recognized best practice across Minnesota, with numerous agencies such as Faribault Police Department, Rice and Dakota County successfully integrating UAVs into operations.
Drones provide valuable real-time information that can help protect life and property while reducing risk to officers and the public. They can be deployed quickly to assist with:
- Search and rescue for missing or endangered persons,
- Documentation of crashes and crime scenes,
- Emergency response to fires, disasters, or hazardous incidents,
- Threat assessment during large public events, and
- Training and community engagement demonstrations.
The policy and state statute explicitly prohibit the use of drones for general surveillance, facial recognition, or monitoring of First Amendment activities unless authorized by a search warrant.
All deployments will be documented, and non-investigative data will be deleted within seven (7) days as required by law.
The department believes this technology will enhance efficiency, improve safety, and align Northfield with peer agencies using drones responsibly and transparently.
Northfield Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Program
Chief Schroepfer will have a presentation and will answer any questions councilors have about the program.
Chief Schroepfer will discuss any public comments received on the pending policy and implementation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle purchase and deployment. As of the date the packet was published, no public comments were received. Should any public comments be received prior to the meeting, they will be sent via supplemental on Tuesday, December 2.
Council will then be asked to decide on approval or denial of the proposed drone program and purchase.
Alternative Options:
N/A
Financial Impacts:
Initial program costs are estimated at $20,000, which includes the purchase of up to 3 drones, operator training, FAA certification, software, and required accessories. Funding is proposed from the sale of other police department equipment.
Ongoing maintenance, licensing, and data storage costs will be included in future operating budgets.
Tentative Timelines:
• November 18 - City Council work session and public comment period on UAV Program and Policy
• December 2- Return to City Council for final approval and purchase authorization
• 1st Quarter 2026 - Operator training and FAA compliance certification
• 1st Quarter 2026- Tentative UAV program launch