Rochester Police Department to Begin Using Drones as First Responders

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- The Rochester Police Department is getting a new tool to use in emergency situations. 

See Also: Rochester Police Report Arrest for Fatal Shooting, Victim Identified

The Rochester City Council approved the expansion of the police department’s Unmanned Aerial System Monday night. 

Rochester Police Chief Jim Franklin says the expansion will enhance police officer and public safety. 

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Grant-Funded Purchase of Two Drones to be Used as First Responders Approved by Rochester City Council

Elected leaders approved the police department’s request to purchase a pair of new drones, docks, equipment and software that will be used as first responders. 

A news release issued by the police department says the drones will provide emergency responders with a visual at the scene and can be the first public safety resource to arrive at an emergency scene. 

The drones will be permanently docked in what the police department describes as “strategic locations” to deliver broad coverage throughout Rochester, police say. Pilots can remotely activate and operate the drones using a browser-based application. 

A presentation shown to council members says the drones will not be used for surveillance and that their cameras will be aimed at the horizon while enroute to an emergency scene. 

Drone data will be made available though a transparency portal and drone use will be disclosed to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. 

The presentation also says non-criminal drone video will be deleted within seven days of it being captured. The drones are also equipped with crash-prevention parachutes. 

The cost of the drone expansion for a five year pension is $467,290.14. $467,000 of the funding is being covered by a Mayo Clinic Community Engagement Grant. 

The remaining $290.14 will come from the department’s technology budget.