HF561

This legislative bill allows law enforcement agencies in Minnesota to use unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, for various purposes including:

1. Searching for missing persons such as children or vulnerable adults during emergencies that pose a risk of death or bodily harm.
2. Providing surveillance over public events where there's a significant risk to safety.
3. Addressing terrorism threats based on credible intelligence.
4. Assisting in natural or man-made disaster situations to save lives and aid in recovery efforts.
5. Conducting threat assessments for specific events.
6. Gathering information in public areas when there is a reasonable suspicion of criminal activity.
7. Tracking persons who have fled from law enforcement or those escaping from correctional facilities.
8. Investigating serious traffic collisions for crash reconstruction.
9. Use in officer training or public relations activities.
10. Employing drones for non-law enforcement activities as requested by other government entities, provided the request is formally documented.

This expansion of drone use aims to enhance public safety, improve law enforcement efficiency, and support emergency and disaster management.