MPD could expand drone use, council taking action

@keyframes spin { 0% { transform:rotate(0deg); } 100% { transform:rotate(360deg); } } Drones to deter crime The city of Minneapolis is a step closer to expanding its drone use. City staff is currently looking into adding a Drones as First Responders program to Minneapolis public safety tool box — a city council committee approved the legislative directive this week which was led by council member LaTrisha Vetaw.  If we re really going to think of policing in the 21st Century, we got to use technology, Vetaw said. Only a handful of agencies across the state have such a program — the drones are launched on certain 911 calls, in many of them, giving officers a look at the incident ahead of those responding and can gather evidence if a crime has been committed. For Vetaw, a big reason behind her push has been trying to get a handle on what she calls a major illegal dumping problem with the city — she also says it would help curb the recent spike in smash and grab crimes that have damaged hundreds of cars. If you are committing crimes, and [the drones are] getting there faster, I think that could be scary for people who are [committing crimes], Vetaw said about it also possible becoming a deterrent. The potential benefits come with privacy and misuse concerns — part of the legislative directive calls on city staff to look into privacy, data practices, and civil liberties considerations. As for cost, it s unclear for now — but Minnetonka for example, a city much smaller in population than Minneapolis, is expecting their Drones as First Responders program to cost around $265,000 annually. RELATED COVERAGE: Minnetonka police says using drones for 911 calls ‘exceeding expectations’ Vetaw pointed out their potential program could be used by multiple departments so the cost could be shared. The Office of Community Safety has looked into this, but says cost and personnel concerns led them to press pause — it sent the statement surrounding the council s decision to move foward: We’re always exploring new and innovative ways to strengthen community safety. We’ve looked at the DFR program before and ultimately set it aside due to cost and staffing considerations, but given the success we’re seeing in other communities, it’s worth taking another look. Drones offer a promising way to use technology to help respond faster and more efficiently to victims of crime, community members calls for help, or other emergencies. We will work alongside community members to consider it carefully and make sure any approach we take aligns with our shared values and priorities around community safety. The post MPD could expand drone use, council taking action first appeared on KSTP.com 5 Eyewitness News.