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Cottage Grove accepts donated DJI Matrix 4 drone for police use
Summary
The Cottage Grove City Council unanimously accepted a donation of a DJI Matrix 4 drone from the nonprofit Public Safety Board to the police department. Council also formally recognized the board's fundraising efforts.
The Cottage Grove City Council on Sept. 17 accepted a donation of a DJI Matrix 4 drone from the nonprofit Public Safety Board and formally recognized the board for its fundraising work.
The drone, presented by Captain Brad Peterson of the Cottage Grove Police Department, was described as having advanced cameras and FLIR capability and an FAA-compliant radio ID. Peterson said the department uses drones for locating fleeing suspects and lost people, for emergency management and fire scenes, and for SWAT operations. He told the council the department’s older drones (purchased in 2019) lack the zoom, thermal and radio-ID features required by updated FAA guidance and that the new drone “allows us to see people and license plates … from an incredible distance.”
City staff reported the donation’s declared value as $10,536.15. Council moved to accept and approve the gift; Council Member Thiede made the motion and Council Member Garza seconded. The council approved the donation by voice vote. The council also approved a separate motion to recognize the members of the Public Safety Board.
Julie, representing the Public Safety Board, described the board’s ongoing fundraising efforts — including sales of plush “canine” toys, challenge coins and police patches — and said proceeds support police, fire and EMS equipment and programs. Mayor Bailey thanked the board and noted that community donations help reduce the need for tax funding.
No changes to department policy or specific operational procedures were adopted at the meeting; the council’s action accepted the donated equipment and recognized the donor organization.
Council actions
- Motion: “Accept and approve the donation of the DJI Matrix 4 series drone with a value of $10,536.15.” Mover: Council Member Thiede. Second: Council Member Garza. Outcome: approved (voice vote). - Motion: “Recognize the members of the Public Safety Board.” Mover: Council Member Garza. Second: Council Member Claussen. Outcome: approved (voice vote).
Quotes
“...the operator can overlay a map over their flight screen. So as they’re looking through the eyes of the drone, we can overlay a map on that,” Captain Brad Peterson said, describing the device’s mapping and identification features.
“This keeps the tax dollars or the tax levies lower,” Mayor Bailey said, thanking the board for its donations.
Ending
The police department will add the DJI Matrix 4 to its fleet; council did not adopt any ordinance or policy changes related to drone use at the meeting. The Public Safety Board members posed with the drone at the dais after the vote.
