New Bedford Police: No Drone Flying Over Feast

If you were planning on capturing some amazing aerial shots of New Bedford’s Feast of the Blessed Sacrament this weekend, you’re better off leaving your drone at home.

The New Bedford Police Department posted a reminder to its official Facebook page today with the headline “***WARNING***”

“Drone flying over any of the Madeira Feast grounds is strictly prohibited this weekend. Your anticipated cooperation is greatly appreciated,” the post read.

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Chief Paul Oliveira said the police department is focused on safety.

“We know in today’s society, no event or location is immune from violence,” he said in a statement to WBSM. “The NBPD is using its planning and training to ensure a safe and secure environment at the feast for all in attendance.”

When asked if the the police department was flying its own drones over the feast to ensure that safe and secure environment, Oliveira declined to comment on specifics of security measures.

In his weekly appearance on WBSM, Mayor Jon Mitchell discussed the safety measures being put in place at the feast grounds this weekend, stating there will "a big police presence."

Drones at the feast were a subject of controversy earlier this year when City Councilor Brian Gomes re-filed a motion he had originally filed in 2016 to use police drones to patrol the city in order to combat illegal ATV and dirt bike riders on city streets. He also suggested the drones could be used to surveil large events such as the feast.

Gomes’ motion was voted down by the New Bedford City Council, which voted against sending the motion to committee.