Portland Police Seek Approval to Deploy Drone for Public Safety Operations

The Portland Police Department is requesting approval from the city council to purchase its first drone, a tool they say would improve search-and-rescue missions, crime scene reconstruction, and responses to high-risk incidents, according to a report from the Portland Press Herald. The council’s Health and Human Services and Public Safety Committee approved the measure Tuesday, but the full city council must still vote before the purchase moves forward.

Draft Policy Outlines Limits on Drone Use

Police leaders presented a draft policy that limits when and how the drone may be deployed. The document specifies use in searches for missing people, barricaded suspects, disaster response, and scene documentation. In most cases, criminal investigations would require a search warrant.

Maj. Jason King told the committee the drone would save valuable time at crime and crash scenes while still respecting privacy protections. “We’ll adhere to state law,” King said, noting that Maine’s UAV statute prohibits police from monitoring citizens engaged in lawful free speech or assembly.

Concerns Over Protests and Surveillance

City councilor Wes Pelletier pressed officials on whether the drone could be flown over protests. Nicole Albert, the department’s legal advisor, responded that deployment would be considered “on a case-by-case basis,” such as if a demonstration became violent. Under city policy, the drone cannot be equipped with facial recognition technology. Officers would also be restricted in what they could record, limiting footage outside the scope of an investigation.

Maine Police Agencies Expanding Drone Programs

Portland would join at least 22 law enforcement agencies across Maine already operating drones, according to 2024 data from the Maine Criminal Justice Academy. Agencies using UAVs include the Windham Police Department, the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, and the Maine State Police.

The department plans to purchase the Skydio drone from Axon, a U.S.-based company already providing body and cruiser cameras, as well as digital evidence systems, to Portland police. The up-front purchase and maintenance cost is estimated at $45,316 and would be paid for with federal forfeiture funds.

Balancing Technology and Public Trust

The proposal highlights both the growing reliance of police on unmanned aircraft systems and the continued debate over privacy and civil liberties. Portland police emphasized that oversight mechanisms, including the warrant requirement and statutory restrictions, would prevent abuse while still offering practical benefits in emergencies.

DroneXL’s Take

Portland’s move mirrors a nationwide trend: police departments adopting drones to improve efficiency in emergencies and public safety missions. The safeguards outlined—such as restrictions on surveillance and bans on facial recognition—acknowledge public concerns, but questions remain about transparency and accountability.

Should cities set clearer boundaries for drone use at protests? How will agencies demonstrate that safeguards are being followed in practice? These are the debates that will shape public trust in law enforcement drone programs.

What do you think—does the potential benefit outweigh the risks? Share your perspective in the comments.