Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Gaylord schedules public hearing on proposed police drone program after officer says donations cover much of the cost
Summary
Officer Schmidt asked the council to set a public hearing on a proposed police unmanned aerial system intended for missing‑person searches and mutual aid; the council set a hearing for 7 p.m. on June 17 after the officer said he had raised about $15,000 in donations toward equipment.
The Gaylord City Council voted to schedule a public hearing at 7 p.m. on June 17 to collect comment on a proposed police unmanned aerial system (UAS) policy introduced by Officer Schmidt.
Officer Schmidt told the council the proposed program would primarily support missing‑person searches, incidents requiring an aerial vantage and coordinated mutual aid with neighboring agencies. He said officers (including himself and another officer) are FAA Part 107 certified and that he has raised about $15,000 from local nonprofits and businesses to cover drone and equipment costs.
Council members asked about expected uses, whether the department will track search‑warrant requirements and what sensors (for example, thermal cameras) would be included. Officer Schmidt said the main intent is search and rescue and that thermal capability was in the equipment plan.
The council unanimously approved a motion to schedule the public hearing so that residents can comment before the policy becomes official.
