Wisconsin Police Drone Catches 'Serial Defecator' in the Act

A 46-year-old woman was cited for indecent conduct after being caught defecating in a city park

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Police in Stoughton, Wisconsin used a drone and trail cameras to catch a 46-year-old woman who was repeatedly defecating in a city park. The woman was cited for indecent conduct after the drone recorded her in the act.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing use of surveillance technology by law enforcement to address quality-of-life issues and public nuisances in local communities. It also raises questions about privacy concerns and the appropriate use of drones for such purposes.

The details

Stoughton police had been receiving reports of residents finding "human feces and used toilet paper" in one of the city's parks. The department set up trail cameras and used a drone to monitor the park, eventually spotting the 46-year-old woman defecating there in the early morning hours. After the drone recorded the incident, officers confronted the woman and cited her for indecent conduct.

  • On Thursday, a police drone operator began monitoring a park after department trail cameras had found a pattern that nature called for the suspect in the early morning hours.

The players

Stoughton Police Department

The local law enforcement agency in Stoughton, Wisconsin that used a drone and trail cameras to catch a "serial defecator" in a city park.

46-year-old woman

The suspect who was repeatedly defecating in a Stoughton city park and was cited by police for indecent conduct after being caught in the act by a police drone.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage public spaces in our community.”

— Chief James Hanson, Stoughton Police Chief (officer.com)

What’s next

The 46-year-old woman will appear in court next month to face the indecent conduct charge.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing use of surveillance technology by law enforcement to address quality-of-life issues, but also raises concerns about privacy and the appropriate use of drones for such purposes in public spaces.