Approve Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Operations Policy

In accordance with Minnesota State Statute § 626.19, after seeking public comment through an Anoka County Union Herald posting, a social media posting, and at a regular council meeting public hearing, the proposed final version of the UAS policy is attached to this case.

Public notice seeking comments on the proposed UAS policy and program was posted in the Anoka County Union Herald on October 31, 2025, and November 7, 2025, and was also posted on the Ramsey Police & Fire social media page on November 6, 2025. Additionally, a public hearing was held at the November 10, 2025, regular council meeting. The police department received two (2) emails in response to the request for public comment. The police department received favorable comments about the UAS program on the department's social media page.
 

Depending on the funding determination timeline, it is anticipated that the police department will have an operational UAS program during the first quarter of 2026.

Per Minnesota State Statute § 626.19 s-10, "Prior to the operation of a UAV, the chief officer of every state and local law enforcement agency that uses or proposes to use a UAV must establish and enforce a written policy governing its use, including requests for use from government entities. In developing and adopting the policy, the law enforcement agency must provide for public comment and input as described in subdivision 9. The written policy must be posted on the agency's website, if the agency has a website."

If the donation request submitted in August 2025 is granted, the funding for the purchase of a UAS will be provided by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, as referenced in the City Council Regular Meeting on August 26, 2025. If this donation is not secured, the funding for the UAS purchase will be allocated from the 2026 general fund budget, specifically line 0211-6580.

Staff recommends approving the attached UAS policy.

Motion to adopt Resolution #26-022 approving the Ramsey Police Department Policy #804 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Operations.