Police Drone Program Deferred Until Fall for ACLU Guidance Review
The Watertown Committee on Public Safety heard a presentation on the Watertown Police drone program but deferred action until fall. Police Chief Justin Hanrahan described the program as a public safety tool to improve responder safety and provide real-time incident information.
City Council_ Committee on Public Safety · Meeting of July 9, 2026
WATERTOWN — The Watertown Committee on Public Safety heard a presentation on the Watertown Police drone program but deferred action until fall. Police Chief Justin Hanrahan described the program as a public safety tool to improve responder safety and provide real-time incident information. The estimated purchase cost is approximately $24,000, with annual costs of about $50,000, funded through drug forfeiture proceeds.
Committee Chair Nicole Gardner said the committee would wait for American Civil Liberties Union guidance on police drones before reconvening. Members raised concerns about privacy, data retention, mission creep, and sharing information with outside agencies. Committee Member Emily Izzo moved to continue the discussion; Vice Chair Vincent J.
Piccirilli seconded it, passing unanimously.
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Source: the City Council_ Committee on Public Safety meeting of July 9, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
Checked against the official minutes.
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