Small unmanned aerial systems (UASs), commonly known as drones, can be operated remotely to help law enforcement agencies respond to emergencies, criminal investigations, and calls for service. They provide an overhead view of an area or incident, clear the interiors of buildings, document crime and accident scenes in detail, and assist in searching for lost or missing persons. They serve as an efficient and effective tool for law enforcement agencies.

UAS operators shall not use a UAS without a search warrant, except (Minn. Stat. § 626.19):

• During or in the aftermath of an emergency situation or disaster that involves the risk of death or bodily harm to a person.
  
  
• Over a public event where there is a heightened risk to the safety of participants or bystanders.
  
  
• To counter the risk of a terrorist attack by a specific individual or organization if the agency determines that credible intelligence indicates a risk.
   
• To prevent the loss of life or property in natural or man-made disasters and to facilitate operation planning, rescue, and recovery operations.
  
  
• To conduct a threat assessment in anticipation of a specific event.
   
• To collect information from a public area if there is reasonable suspicion of criminal activity.
   
• To collect information for crash reconstruction purposes after a serious or deadly collision occurring on a public road.
  
  
• Over a public area for officer training or public relations purposes.
   
• For purposes unrelated to law enforcement at the request of a government entity, provided the request is in writing and specifies the reason for the request and a proposed period of use.

Prohibited UAS use:

The UAS video surveillance equipment shall not be used:

• To conduct random surveillance activities.
  
  
• To target a person based solely on actual or perceived characteristics such as race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, economic status, age, cultural group, or disability.
  
  
• To harass, intimidate, or discriminate against any individual or group.
  
  
• To conduct personal business of any type.

The UAS shall not be weaponized (Minn. Stat. § 626.19).

Carver County Sheriff’s office is taking feedback on the UAS program.

Please contact our office at gpufahl@co.carver.mn.us or by mail:

Carver County Sheriff’s Office
Attn: Lt. George Pufahl
606 East 4th Street
Chaska, MN 55318

A UAS public comment meeting will be held at a regularly scheduled County Board meeting on 05/21/2024 at 9:00am. The Location is the Carver County Government Center County Board Room at 600 East 4th Street, Chaska, MN 55318.