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- calendar_today October 21, 2026
Madison Police Department Eyes Drone Pilot Program
The Madison Police Department is pursuing a $200,000 federal grant to launch a pilot program deploying drones as first responders in the city’s West District. If successful, it would mark a significant step in the department’s use of drone technology for public safety response.
Pilot Program Seeks Federal Funding
The proposed program awaits city council approval after receiving a recommendation from the finance committee with no discussion. The council is expected to vote on the measure October 20. Under the plan, a drone would be stationed in the West District parking lot and dispatched alongside officers to select outdoor emergency calls. The pilot would last two years, with an option for a one-year extension.
Program Details and Funding Breakdown
Three-quarters of the grant money would cover the cost of leasing and housing the drone, while $50,000 would be dedicated to officer overtime. The Madison Police Department (MPD) submitted its application this summer under a federal COPS grant administered by the U.S. Department of Justice. The grant now allows funding for unmanned aerial surveillance, a first for this program.
According to Assistant Chief Matt Tye, “Drones when utilized correctly are a powerful de-escalation tool that will make Madison safer.” He explained that the technology allows officers to collect information before arriving on scene, potentially slowing down confrontations and increasing safety.
Drone Technology and Operational Policies
The drone, manufactured by Seattle-based BRINC Drones, would be leased from Motorola Solutions. According to MPD spokeswoman Stephanie Fryer, the drone would not be equipped with license plate detection, facial recognition, walking pattern detection, or gunshot detection, per city ordinances limiting surveillance technology. The department’s standard operating procedures prohibit random drone surveillance and targeting individuals.
The drone can fly in all weather conditions and would be manually dispatched, with a range of up to three miles. It would be housed in a trailer stationed in the district’s parking lot due to logistical challenges of installing a rooftop drone port. The goal is for the drone to respond to as many eligible calls as possible, providing data to assess its effectiveness and meet grant requirements.
Why the West District?
The West District was selected after other areas were ruled out. Restrictions over the Dane County Airport eliminated the North and East Districts; the Central District is too dense, and the Midtown and South Districts’ call volumes or types make them less suitable. Covering about 25 square miles, the West District's larger geography and call response distances made it the department’s preferred “Goldilocks” option.
Public Concerns and National Trends
While police drones have been used in Madison since 2017—the department currently operates 11 and all drone operators are FAA certified—the proposed pilot represents an expansion in scope. Tye acknowledged community concerns about surveillance, stressing that the drone would only be dispatched to specific incidents, not used for neighborhood patrols.
Nationally, drone-first-responder programs have shown promise. A recent study in Montgomery County, Maryland, found drones arrived on scene faster than officers nearly half the time and often determined an in-person response was unnecessary. Tye noted that while Madison lags in adopting some technologies, this pilot will help determine if such advancements are appropriate and effective locally.
Next Steps
The grant’s outcome remains uncertain, with a decision expected early next year according to MPD grants manager Jim Powell. If awarded, the pilot program could set the stage for more permanent use of drones in Madison’s emergency response operations. Assistant Chief Tye encourages open-mindedness from the community and city leaders as new technologies are evaluated and potentially integrated into public safety services.
Source: isthmus.com.
