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Issue · Watertown, MA

Police Drone Proposal

Implementation of drone technology for public safety raises surveillance, privacy, and policing-method concerns among residents.

Overview

The Police Drone Proposal entered the FY2027 budget process and was discussed on May 26, 2026, when the budget passed. It was then referred to the Committee on Public Safety on June 9, 2026, for additional review before implementation.

Background

The Police Drone Proposal first surfaced during the City Council's review of the Fiscal Year 2027 budget on May 26, 2026. During that meeting's public hearing and line-by-line examination, the proposed police drone program was discussed alongside other budget items such as the elimination of a long-term IT position.

The full FY2027 budget, which incorporated the drone program, was passed at the conclusion of the May 26 session. A subsequent motion for reconsideration was denied, allowing the budget to advance.

On June 9, 2026, the Mayor requested that the drone proposal be referred to the Committee on Public Safety for further review. The motion to refer was approved.

The referral established a formal committee review process before any implementation could occur. Public impact descriptions in the meeting records note that the technology would affect the general public regarding privacy and policing methods.

How it unfolded
During the FY2027 budget hearing and review, the proposed police drone program was discussed; the overall budget passed and a motion for reconsideration failed.
2026-05-26City Council
The Mayor requested referral of the Watertown police drone proposal to the Committee on Public Safety; the motion was approved.
2026-06-09City Council
What's next

Committee on Public Safety review

police dronesurveillancepublic safety