Use of drones restricted
Wis. Stat. § 175.55
in effect(1) In this section:
(a) “Drone” has the meaning given in s. 114.105 (1) (a).
(b) “Wisconsin law enforcement agency” has the meaning given in s. 165.77 (1) (c) and includes the department of justice and a tribal law enforcement agency.
(2) No Wisconsin law enforcement agency may use a drone to gather evidence or other information in a criminal investigation from or at a place or location where an individual has a reasonable expectation of privacy without first obtaining a search warrant under s. 968.12. This subsection does not apply to the use of a drone in a public place or to assist in an active search and rescue operation, to locate an escaped prisoner, to surveil a place or location for the purpose of executing an arrest warrant, or if a law enforcement officer has reasonable suspicion to believe that the use of a drone is necessary to prevent imminent danger to an individual or to prevent imminent destruction of evidence.
Source: WI Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/175.55Fetched: 10/7/2026