City Council Meeting Date: November 18, 2025
To: Mayor and City Council
City Administrator
From: Jeff Schroepfer, Chief of Police
Title
Discussion on Police Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (Drones) Program and Opening Public Comment.
Body
Action Requested:
The Northfield City Council discuss and open 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 week’s item will provide the City Council and public an opportunity to review the department’s proposed policy and intended use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle - UAV (drone) in police operations. No public comments will be taken during this meeting. Opportunities for public comment will be allowed online and at the December 2nd City Council meeting.
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 draft policy will be published as part of the agenda packet for public review and comment.
Reasoning for an 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 proposed policy explicitly prohibits 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
During the meeting Chief Schroepfer will have a short presentation and will answer any questions councilors have about the program or the upcoming public meeting. No public comments will be taken during this meeting. The December 2nd Council agenda item will be more geared to the public comment. We welcome discussion and questions in preparation of that agenda item, so the Council is prepared for information to bring forward for public input on the pending policy and implementation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle purchase and deployment.
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 equipment.
Ongoing maintenance, licensing, and data storage costs will be included in future operating budgets.
Tentative Timelines:
• November 18 - City Council work session and open the 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