Public Hearing: Opportunity for public comment on the proposed Police Department UAV (drone) program

In August of 2025, the Ramsey Police Department received a UAV, which was donated at no cost. This UAV has not been used. Pursuant to Minnesota Statute § 626.19, Subdivisions 9, the City of Ramsey is providing an opportunity for public comment at this regularly scheduled meeting, prior to the purchase and use of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), also known as a drone.

Prior to any operation of a UAV, the Ramsey Police Department will adopt a written policy governing its use in accordance with Minnesota Statute § 626.19. The draft policy is posted on our website at https://www.ci.ramsey.mn.us/892/MN-State-Mandated-Policies. After receiving the public comments, we will finalize the policy. The final policy will be posted at the same location on our website.

Minnesota State Statute uses the term UAV. In a past council case on August 26, 2025, when the City accepted the donation of a drone, the term UAS was used during the discussion. To explain the difference, a drone is a type of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or an unmanned aircraft system (UAS). A UAS includes the aircraft itself, the control station, and any other necessary components, while a UAV often refers specifically to the aircraft.

Notice of this public hearing and the public comment period were published in the Anoka County Union Herald on October 31 and November 7, 2025. There is an alert in the spotlight area of the city's website, pointing residents to a link for viewing the draft policy. Additionally, a posting was made to the Police Department's and the City's Facebook pages, informing the community about the open public comment period.

Members of the public may also submit comments electronically or by mail to:
The Ramsey Police Department
7550 Sunwood Dr NW
Ramsey, MN 55303
Email: police@cityoframsey.com

Comments will be accepted through December 10, 2025.

Allow for public comments.

Public comments are received.