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Thief River Falls police describe drone program as search-and-rescue tool, invite public comment
Summary
Deputy chief told the City Council the department received two drones from Great Plains EMS for search-and-rescue and officer safety, said operations are regulated by state statute and require warrants for surveillance; council members voiced support and asked about training and uses.
Deputy Chief told the Thief River Falls City Council that the police department received two drones from Great Plains EMS and is offering the program for public comment as required by state statute. He said the larger drone (a Matrice-class platform) has thermal imaging and “200 times zoom” for outdoor searches, and a smaller interior-capable drone would be used where it is unsafe for officers to enter.
The deputy chief said the department also has a smaller drone that does not trigger the same notification requirements. He emphasized that drone use is “heavily…
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