Kankakee, IL – Attendees of the Merchant Street Music Festival in Kankakee can expect to see drones monitoring public safety this week as part of new measures announced by the Kankakee Police Department.
According to the Kankakee Police Department, Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), commonly referred to as drones, may be deployed in the vicinity of 100 S. East Ave. during the festival on Thursday and Friday, July 25 and 26. Police say the use of drones is in line with state and federal laws, including regulations set by the Illinois Attorney General and the Illinois Drones as First Responders Act.
The police department stated that the primary purpose of drone use is to support real-time monitoring of the event footprint. Key objectives include detecting breaches of event spaces—such as unauthorized vehicle intrusions or disruptions—evaluating crowd density, identifying public safety threats, and assessing both traffic and pedestrian flow. According to officials, drones may also be used before the festival to create maps and determine efficient routes for staging and traffic, but no personal identifying information will be recorded during these activities.
Footage collected from special events will be deleted within 24 hours unless required for a criminal case, according to the Kankakee Police Department. Law enforcement also emphasized that drones will not be weaponized nor will facial recognition software be used, except in specific high-risk situations such as terrorist threats or to prevent destruction of evidence.
The community will be informed about potential drone usage, with signs posted at major entry points to the festival at least 24 hours in advance. Police encourage anyone with questions or concerns to contact Deputy Chief Donell Austin at the Kankakee Police Department at 815-933-0400.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for more relevant new stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have a tip? Message us!
