Rosemount Police Launches Drone Program as South Metro Agencies Log Over 1,300 Deployments in 2024
Published: March 27th, 2026
ROSEMOUNT, MN: The Rosemount Police Department has officially launched a new drone program, joining a growing number of law enforcement agencies across the Twin Cities metro that are using unmanned aerial technology to support public safety operations.
The department adopted its Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) policy on January 1, 2026, allowing officers to deploy drones in situations where traditional resources are unavailable or less effective. Officials say the program is designed to enhance emergency response while maintaining transparency and strict compliance with state and federal law.
“With strong oversight and clear limitations written into our policy, our goal is to use this tool transparently, responsibly, and in full compliance with federal and state law,” said Rosemount Police Chief Thomas
South Metro Drone Use Tops 1,300 Deployments
Data compiled in 2024 from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension shows that South Metro agencies are already making significant use of drone technology.
In 2024 alone, the following agencies reported warrantless drone deployments:
Burnsville Police Department: 77
Cannon River Drug and Violent Offender Task Force: 15
Dakota County Sheriff’s Office: 180
Eagan Police Department: 220
Inver Grove Heights Police Department: 52
Lakeville Police Department: 199
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension: 20
Minnesota State Patrol: 553
Scott County Sheriff’s Office: 51
Total: 1,367 drone deployments
These deployments represent cases in which drones were used without a search warrant under legally defined circumstances.
State Law Requires Detailed Reporting and Oversight
Minnesota law imposes strict requirements on when and how law enforcement can use drones. Under Laws of Minnesota 2020, Chapter 82, agencies must report detailed information annually to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, including how often drones are used without a warrant, when they are used, why they are used, and the total cost of each program.
The law was signed in May 2020 and created a standardized statewide reporting system managed by the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
According to the 2024 statewide report, law enforcement agencies across Minnesota recorded 6,603 total drone deployments without a warrant, a 50% increase from the previous year.
Why Police Use Drones
The state report outlines specific legal grounds for officers to deploy drones without a warrant. These uses are narrowly defined and tied to public safety needs.
Common legal and authorized uses include:
Responding to emergencies involving risk of death or serious injury
Monitoring large public events with safety concerns
Disaster response and recovery operations
Conducting threat assessments ahead of events
Investigating suspected criminal activity
Crash reconstruction after serious or fatal crashes
Training or public safety demonstrations
Data in the report shows the most common uses statewide include training/public relations, emergency response, and investigations involving suspected criminal activity.
Balancing Technology and Privacy
Rosemount Police Chief Thomas emphasized that their drone program includes strict privacy protections, aligning with Minnesota law.
These safeguards include:
No random or routine surveillance
Use only in authorized situations
Required documentation for every deployment
Deletion of non-evidentiary data within seven days
The department also requires all drone operators to be certified under FAA Part 107 and follow federal aviation safety rules.
Growing Role of Drones in Public Safety
The rapid increase in drone use reflects a broader shift in how law enforcement agencies respond to emergencies and investigations. Drones allow officers to quickly assess scenes from above, search for missing persons, reconstruct crash scenes, and reduce risk to first responders in dangerous situations.
Statewide, agencies spent nearly $2 million on drone programs in 2024, highlighting continued investment in the technology.
Local Implementation in Rosemount
With the launch of its program, Rosemount joins neighboring agencies already using drones as part of daily operations.
Officials say the program will be used selectively and with oversight, reinforcing a balance between innovation and accountability.
As drone use continues to expand across Minnesota, departments like Rosemount are emphasizing transparency and adherence to clearly defined legal standards as they integrate the technology into public safety operations.
Written by: Will Wight
Cover photo provided by Rosemount Police Department.
