Minneapolis Is Considering Drones for Emergency Response

The city is exploring whether drones could become a new tool in its emergency response arsenal.
City Council member LaTrisha Vetaw has asked staff to examine how unmanned aircraft might assist with 911 calls.

Key Objectives

• Speed – Can a drone reach an incident faster than ground responders?
• Visibility – Provide first‑responders with a clearer view of the scene.
• Evidence Capture – Record incidents such as illegal dumping or vehicle damage for investigation.

Research Plan

• Study how other cities already employ drones in first‑response roles.
• Ensure the program upholds Minneapolis values: privacy, transparency, and civil rights.

Funding & Cost Considerations

• The exact cost for Minneapolis is still unknown.
• Nearby Minnetonka plans to spend roughly $265,000 per year on its drone program.
• Minneapolis aims to share drones across multiple departments to keep expenses manageable.

Background

The Office of Community Safety previously investigated drone use but paused due to budget and staffing constraints.
Now the proposal will move through city council committees for discussion before a full vote.