Rosemount Police Department Integrates into Drone Network, Conducting 1,300 Annual Flights
Rosemount Police Department Launches Drone Program
Rosemount, Minnesota, has initiated a drone program within its police department, reflecting a growing trend among law enforcement agencies across the United States. The program’s launch is supported by data that highlights the increasing integration of drone technology in policing.
Details of the Drone Program
The Rosemount Police Department’s Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) program was established under a policy adopted on January 1, 2026. Nine officers have received training to achieve Part 107 certification, which is the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standard for commercial drone operations. Sergeant Shawn McMenomy has been appointed as the UAS Program Coordinator, overseeing training, recordkeeping, and compliance with state reporting requirements.
Statewide Drone Usage Data
Minnesota has implemented a legally mandated framework for reporting drone use by law enforcement. According to the Laws of Minnesota 2020, Chapter 82, agencies must report warrantless drone deployments to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. In 2024, law enforcement agencies in Minnesota recorded 6,603 warrantless drone deployments, marking a 50% increase from the previous year. The total spending on drone programs across the state approached $2 million, with South Metro agencies accounting for over 1,300 of these deployments.
Planned Applications of Drone Technology
The Rosemount Police Department’s policy outlines specific scenarios for drone use, including:
- Search and rescue operations
- Emergency response
- Crash reconstruction
- Locating suspects in dangerous situations
- Disaster assessment
- Event safety support
- Investigations with reasonable suspicion of criminal activity
- Documenting evidence at risk of destruction
- Training with public consent
The department utilizes drones such as the DJI Avata 2 and the Matrice 4. The policy also prohibits random surveillance and mandates the deletion of non-evidentiary footage within seven days, ensuring accountability and transparency in drone operations.
Accountability and Transparency in Drone Use
Interim Chief Carson Thomas emphasized that the drone program aims to enhance officer safety and improve information gathering during critical incidents. This aligns with the broader approach taken by many Minnesota departments, where drone technology is used to mitigate risks associated with human involvement in potentially dangerous situations.
The Minnesota Model
Minnesota’s framework for drone use in law enforcement is notable for its real-time accountability measures, which many other states lack. The requirement for agencies to report every warrantless deployment, including the date and legal justification, allows for public scrutiny. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension compiles and publishes this data annually, enabling citizens to track drone usage by their local departments.
Conclusion
The introduction of the drone program in Rosemount is part of a larger trend in Minnesota, where drone operations have become routine. The established policies and oversight structures provide a foundation for responsible drone use in law enforcement. The ability to track and evaluate drone deployments is crucial for maintaining public trust and ensuring that the technology is used appropriately.