Waterford schools consider Flock drone program for police use

Officials cite faster emergency response while some raise concerns about privacy and safety

WATERFORD TOWNSHIP, Mich. — The Waterford School District is weighing whether to allow local police to operate a Flock Aerodrome drone system from school property, a proposal supporters say could improve public safety.

The plan, presented to the Board of Education on March 19, would create a revocable license agreement with the Waterford Township Police Department. It would allow officers to use a small portion of the district’s bus garage property as a launch and landing site for drones used in emergencies.

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Police officials say the drones are meant to act as “first responders,” arriving at scenes quickly to assess situations before officers get there. In some cases, drones can reach a call in about a minute and a half, potentially helping locate missing people or assess dangerous situations more quickly.

“This is about giving us another tool to respond quickly and keep the community safe,” Police Chief Scott Underwood told board members.

The system, known as Flock Aerodrome, is already being used in some communities. Police say it can reduce response times and, in some cases, resolve incidents without needing to send officers.

Some board members raised concerns about cybersecurity and the possibility of unauthorized access to drone systems. Others pointed to safety risks, noting that drones, while small, can still cause injuries if something goes wrong.

Police officials responded that the system includes password protection and two-factor authentication, and that only trained, FAA-licensed pilots would operate the drones. The department also carries liability insurance for each drone.

Privacy was another key topic.

District documents make clear that the drones cannot be used for general surveillance. They are limited to public safety and law enforcement purposes, and they cannot be used to monitor students or school activities unless there is an active, authorized situation.

School leaders also emphasized that the district is not giving police access to buildings or large areas of campus. The agreement would allow use of only a small, designated space, mainly for a docking station.

Supporters say the benefits are clear.

They argue drones can help find missing people faster, give officers better information before arriving, and improve overall response to emergencies.

Skeptics, however, say the technology needs to be handled carefully. They want to ensure strong safeguards are in place to protect privacy and prevent misuse.

The agreement would run through 2030, with the option to extend, and could be ended by either side with notice.

For now, the proposal is still under review. The school board is expected to decide at a future meeting whether to move forward.