Drones Are Being Used A Lot More Than You Think In Duluth

With all the talk of Flock cameras, another form of surveillance is silently flying over your head. The Duluth Police Department uses drones as first responders, gathering information to help authorities and respond to 911 calls. An interactive map is updated, showing where drones have been used in a public transparency hub. There are so many flights being logged that you can't even read the map.

I'm all for public safety and finding missing people, and honestly, I don't have a problem at all with that. If it can be used responsibly to protect the public, sure. But as Nikki Davidson reports, there was even an instance where a drone was deployed for a parking complaint. That seems like a big overreach to me.

Drone First Responder Map

In the Duluth Police Department Transparency Hub, you can access crime maps, statistics, and drone flights.

Look at all the drone flights in just a short period of time:

Duluth Police Department

The drones were approved for use in 2025, and they've been busy. However, they don't operate 24/7 due to staffing constraints. For example, when there was a string of shootings reported this Summer in Duluth, the drones weren't used because they weren't staffed at the time, according to The Northern Watch.

What Kind Of Drones Are Police Using?

The drones are powerful. They are from the company Skydio. Even their base model, the X10 drone, can read a license plate from over 800 feet away and can identify cars from 3 miles away. It's equipped with thermal imaging, sensors, and multiple cameras. It can even be equipped with speakers, spotlights, and other modules.

AI-Assisted Drones

Artificial intelligence is used for obstacle avoidance, mapping in low-light conditions, and other assistance.

The drones used in Duluth currently launch from City Hall or other government buildings. Some departments have officers in the field with deployable drones.

The drones can fly at speeds up to 45 miles per hour, with a max flight time of 40 minutes.

Is This A Government Overreach?

Proponents of drones point out the fast response time to get eyes on the scene. These drones don't have to drive in traffic; they don't get lost, and they can assess a situation before officers and first responders are put in danger. Opponents say it's a violation of their privacy. What do you think?

Read More: Location Of All Flock Cameras In Northern Minnesota