The Burnsville Police Department is gearing up to potentially add high-flying tech to its public safety arsenal. Plans to consider the purchase and deployment of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are on the table, aiming to bolster operations and enhance the protection of life and property. This initiative aligns with the authorized uses under the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and Minnesota State Statute 626.19.

A discussion regarding the proposed UAV integration into police and fire services is scheduled for the upcoming City Council meeting. Officials will congregate on Tuesday, April 2 at 5:30 p.m. at Burnsville City Hall, laying out policy considerations for drone use. The UAVs are expected to bring a host of benefits: permitting authorities to assess dangerous situations from a safer distance, aiding in search and rescue operations, and managing sprawling disasters and crime scenes more effectively.

Citizens of Burnsville are encouraged to voice their opinions on the UAV policy and use. Public comments will be accepted up until 4 p.m. on April 2, giving individuals various avenues to express their views. Feedback can be submitted via traditional mail, addressed to 100 Civic Center Parkway, Burnsville, MN 55337 (attn Bethany Brewer), through an online form, or in person at the deliberative City Council session that Tuesday evening.

For those looking to get informed before making their voices heard, the city has provided a draft policy and a list of Frequently Asked Questions on its website. This dual-pronged approach aims to disseminate comprehensive information on the UAV program, offering transparency on how these advanced tools might be utilized within Burnsville's public safety framework.