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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 7, 2026
Council Vice President Matthew Willard Advances Ordinance to Strengthen Transparency and Oversight of NOPD Drone Program
NEW ORLEANS, LA — Yesterday, the New Orleans City Council approved an ordinance authored by Council Vice President Matthew Willard to establish new reporting requirements for the New Orleans Police Department's drone program. The legislation, which requires NOPD to publicly report drone deployment data, submit monthly reports to the City Council, and provide quarterly updates on the department's drone program, was co-sponsored by the full Council.
As drone technology becomes a larger part of modern policing, the ordinance ensures transparency and public oversight keep pace with its use. Developed in collaboration with NOPD and members of the community, the legislation creates consistent reporting standards that give both the Council and the public greater visibility into how and when drones are deployed.
“As the Police Department expands its use of drone technology, we have a responsibility to ensure the right guardrails are in place so the public knows how these tools are being used,” said Council Vice President Matthew Willard. “This ordinance establishes consistent reporting requirements that strengthen transparency.”
“NOPD appreciates the opportunity to work with the City Council and the community to provide greater understanding of our drone program and how this technology is used to support public safety,” said Captain Samuel Palumbo, Commander of the NOPD 8th District. “We remain committed to ensuring our officers have the tools they need while maintaining clear policies, responsible deployment practices, and open communication with the residents we serve.”
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Contact:
Courtney Fleming
Chief of Staff
Council Vice President Matthew Willard
Courtney.Fleming@nola.gov
504.658.1060
 New Orleans City Council
The New Orleans City Council is the legislative branch of the New Orleans city government. The Council considers and enacts all local laws that govern the City of New Orleans. The Council also approves the operating and capital budgets for the City, as recommended by the mayor, and continually monitors revenues and expenditures for local government operations. The City Council is also the regulatory body for public utilities. It also reviews and has the final say on many land use and zoning matters, as well as considers major economic development projects for the City. As a Board of Review for Orleans Parish, the Council examines appeals of property tax assessments for real estate taxes and certifies tax rolls to the Louisiana Tax Commission. Other responsibilities of the Council include overseeing the operation of the public access television in Orleans Parish. Streaming video and video archives of the City Council's Regular and Committee meetings can be found on the City Council website.
The City Council is comprised of five districts and Councilmembers-at-large: Council President and Councilmember-at-Large JP Morrell; Council Vice President and Councilmember-At-Large Matthew Willard; District "A" Councilmember Aimee McCarron; District "B" Councilmember Lesli D. Harris; District "C" Councilmember Freddie King III; District "D" Councilmember Eugene J. Green, Jr.; and District "E" Councilmember Jason Hughes.
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