Bonner County OKs $17,288 drone for sheriff after debate over Chinese-made hardware and data security

Bonner County commissioners voted to approve a $17,288 purchase of a thermal-capable drone for the sheriff's office, funding the purchase in part with a community fundraiser and sheriff's office accounts.

The drone's primary purpose, Sheriff Darryl Wheeler said, is search and rescue: "The number 1 priority for this is going to be search and rescue." He told the board the sheriff's office lacked a thermal-capable drone when it responded to a fatal search at Schweitzer Mountain and that the new device would help locate missing or endangered people in snow and forested terrain.

Why it matters: Commissioners and members of the public pressed the sheriff about the drone's manufacturer, data security and funding. Commissioner concerns focused on use of Chinese-manufactured equipment and whether law enforcement use of drones could run afoul of privacy protections.

Sheriff Wheeler told the board the county has funds in the sheriff's accounts and that $7,000 of the purchase came from private fundraising led by a local physician after a 2021 search; the rest will come from sheriff accounts. Wheeler also said tariffs were expected to raise the drone price and delaying the purchase could more than double costs.

Legal context and privacy limits: County counsel Bill Wilson told the board Idaho law places limits on drone use by law enforcement and generally requires warrants for surveillance over private property. "The law in Idaho is we have pretty strict restrictions on what drones can be used for, including the restrictions on law enforcement," Wilson said, adding the statutes provide "pretty robust protections" for individual privacy.

Public comments and board response: Several residents questioned the use of equipment made by DJI and other China-linked manufacturers. "I personally have concerns purchasing any equipment from that has any affiliations with the CCP," Teresa Heisner said during public comment. Spencer Hutchings and other commenters noted that some models are assembled in the U.S. and that American-made alternatives exist but at higher cost.

The board debated the cost and source of funds and whether public safety benefits outweigh perceived risks. Commissioner Donke (transcript spelling varies) and other commissioners noted that much of the purchase was the result of community fundraising dedicated to a thermal drone after the 2021 incident and that having an in-county capability is important for timely response.

Outcome and next steps: A motion to approve the purchase carried on a roll-call vote; the chair announced the motion passed. Commissioners did not place additional policy conditions on future use during the recorded discussion. The sheriff's office said the drone will be used for search and rescue, crime-scene photography with appropriate legal process, tactical reconnaissance when lawful and other emergency responses when authorized.

Details captured from the meeting: purchase price $17,288; $7,000+ in private donations credited to a sheriff search-and-rescue fund; reasons cited included thermal imaging capability, battery life and accessories; counsel confirmed Idaho law requires warrants for many law-enforcement drone operations.

Staff and public speakers who addressed the item included Sheriff Darryl Wheeler, County Counsel Bill Wilson, and public commenters Teresa Heisner, Wayne Martin and Spencer Hutchings.