Huntsville Councilman Addresses Drone Surveillance Concerns

Huntsville, September 16, 2025

News Summary

Huntsville City Councilman Bill Kling reassures residents that police drones are not for spying. The drones, used since 2019, assist in specific incidents like domestic abuse or gunfire, not for ongoing surveillance. A proposed $25,000 monthly contract aims to enhance the police drone program. Kling clarifies that privately owned drones in parks are hobbyists’. He emphasizes safety while addressing privacy concerns surrounding drone technology.

Huntsville City Councilman Bill Kling recently addressed public concerns regarding the police department’s use of drones in Big Spring Park, emphasizing that their deployment is not meant for spying on citizens. This clarification follows a resident’s apprehension raised during a city council meeting last month, primarily centered around the police’s escalating drone surveillance capabilities amidst growing concerns over privacy and civil liberties.

Kling held discussions with Police Chief Kirk Giles regarding the intended use for the drones. It was noted that their deployment is primarily aimed at specific incidents involving domestic abuse or gunfire incidents rather than serving as a means for continuous surveillance of residents in public spaces. The police chief underscored that the department does not engage in monitoring the activities of individuals and focuses on safety while utilizing the drones.

Concerns were raised just before the Huntsville City Council’s vote on August 28, regarding a proposed $25,000 monthly contract with Skyfire AI to enhance the police department’s drone first responder program, projected to have a maximum value of $300,000. In light of these discussions, Kling reassured the public that privately owned drones spotted in public parks, including Big Spring Park, do not belong to the police department, and many are operated by hobbyists.

The Huntsville Police Department has been deploying drones since 2019, currently maintaining a fleet of about 20 active drones. Usage cases include crucial police operations such as tracking suspects during robberies, where drones have proven to be effective even in dynamic scenarios—like tracking a robbery suspect who changed clothing in an attempt to evade authorities.

Officer Chad Tillman stated the primary purpose of these drones is to enhance safety for both officers and citizens, indicating that they are not employed for monitoring traffic violations. Drones are also essential tools for investigations into burglaries and facilitating search and rescue missions. There was a notable incident highlighted where drones possibly saved an officer’s life after a confrontation with a suspect that left the officer incapacitated and unable to call for help, showcasing the critical role of the technology in ensuring public safety.

For residents who own drones, Kling pointed out that they can be purchased for as little as $100, allowing enthusiasts to partake in recreational flying activities in locations such as Big Spring Park without any affiliation to law enforcement.

Conclusion

The clarification from Huntsville officials aims to address the community’s concerns regarding privacy while emphasizing the police’s commitment to using drone technology responsibly and effectively for public safety. The ongoing discussion about drone implementation continues as the city balances technological advancement with civil liberties.

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Additional Resources

• AL.com: Huntsville Police Using Drones
• Rocket City Now: Drone Manufacturer Opens Facility
• Hville Blast: Drone Factory to Bring 500 Jobs
• Axios: Huntsville Council Catch-Up on Drones
• Yellowhammer News: Future of Warfare in Alabama
• Wikipedia: Drone
• Google Search: Huntsville drones
• Google Scholar: Drones in Law Enforcement
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Drones
• Google News: Huntsville drones

Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER

The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.