Finance Committee approves sheriff's tethered drone purchase; members press for public posting of drone policy

The DuPage County Finance Committee approved a purchase order for a tethered drone for the sheriff's office and scrutinized whether the sheriff's office had complied with Illinois law requiring public posting of any drone policy used by law enforcement.

Member Evans moved to approve the contract purchase order to Safeware Inc. for a tethered drone, not to exceed $67,892.25 for a five‑year period. The motion passed on a voice vote. During discussion, Member Desart asked whether the sheriff's drone policy had been posted publicly as required by state law. Deputy Chief Bill (identified in the transcript as the sheriff's office representative) said the office had prepared "policy 606" and that the policy "will be posted pursuant to the law" and that legal counsel would be consulted to determine the posting timeline and format. Member Yu said the sheriff's office identified a coordinator and licensed pilot, Corporal Merkvika, to lead the drone program.

Several members voiced constituents' privacy concerns about law enforcement use of drones for surveillance or warrantless searches; the sheriff's office representative said the office follows the law.

Why it matters: Drone use by law enforcement raises privacy and civil‑liberties questions and requires transparent public policies and posting when the policy is in force. The committee approved the procurement; the transcript records members seeking confirmation that the sheriff's office will publicly post the policy and consult legal counsel on timing.

Provenance: Motion and discussion appear in the transcript at the procurement and public safety segment (purchase motion at ~00:25:28; policy discussion at ~00:26:08–00:27:05).