Madison Common Council District 8 candidate Christian Hansen held a speak-out event on Library Mall Tuesday to support an ordinance banning the use of police surveillance drones in the city of Madison.
Hansen is running against incumbent Scott Resnick for the District 8 seat. Elections for District 8 alder will take place April 2.
While speaking in front of a model drone to a small group of supporters, Hansen said other municipalities such as Milwaukee have expressed interest in the use of drones.
These surveillance drones cost approximately $15,000 and can fly a few hundred feet in the air, according to Hansen Campaign Manager Jonathan Dedering.
“These sales are moving forward very aggressively on the local level, and they’re very expensive,” Hansen said. “We don’t want them here.”
The city of Madison currently does not have any resolutions or ordinances allowing the use of surveillance drones, according to Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4.
“I know of no known intention on the part of the Madison Police Department to explore the use of drones,” Verveer said.
While there are not any plans for permitting the use of surveillance drones, Hansen said a “preemptive” effort is necessary in order to protect rights to privacy.
Correction: A previous version of the article stated the Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice supports the use of surveillance drones. The group opposes the use of such technology. We regret the error.
