Sacramento Sheriff's Office proposes expanding drone fleet to improve safety response

The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors meeting on June 3, 2025, highlighted the ongoing use and expansion of advanced law enforcement technology, particularly drones and robots. Sheriff’s representatives reported that the department currently operates 56 drones, with a request for an additional 19 to enhance coverage across the county's nearly 1,000 square miles. This expansion aims to ensure that drones are readily available for all three patrol shifts and various investigative teams.

Sheriff officials emphasized that these drones are commercially available and are used strictly in reactive situations, adhering to privacy policies. They reassured the community that all drone operations comply with legal standards, including warrant requirements for surveillance.

In addition to drones, the sheriff's department maintains a fleet of nine robots, primarily utilized by the bomb squad and SWAT teams. While there are no plans to increase the number of robots, one will be replaced due to obsolescence. The robots serve as a regional resource, responding to bomb threats and other critical incidents.

The discussions also touched on two civil claims related to property damage caused by military equipment, including an armored vehicle and a SWAT incident. The sheriff's office noted that there were no documented complaints regarding military equipment in 2024, reflecting a commitment to responsible use of such resources.

As the meeting concluded, the board members expressed support for the technology while emphasizing the importance of transparency and community safety. The sheriff's department aims to continue evolving its capabilities to better serve and protect the residents of Sacramento County.