Oxnard police outline radio, drone and less‑lethal upgrades; council to see TASER 10 item

Police Chief Jason Benitez told the Oxnard City Council the department is investing in technology and equipment to improve safety and efficiency, previewing a council item to upgrade less‑lethal devices and describing a regional‑leading drone program.

Benitez said the department has been using uncrewed aerial systems for more than six years and had recorded well over 700 flights; the department currently operates three drones and the program has been deployed to assist both police and fire responses. "We're the first in this region," Benitez said of the drone first‑responder effort.

On communications, Benitez said the department is approaching a transition to new radio infrastructure and described information management improvements as key to getting timely information to officers in the field. He characterized such investments as technology being a "force multiplier."

Benitez also discussed less‑lethal equipment upgrades: the department is moving toward 40‑millimeter rounds and will present a council item in two weeks to consider adopting the TASER 10. He described the current body‑worn camera deployment as "very successful" and said equipment upgrades can alter behavior and enhance accountability "on both sides of the camera."

Benitez framed these changes as part of a broader push to modernize tools available to officers while noting that technology has costs and that implementation will require council consideration and budget planning. He did not propose a specific expenditure during the briefing but said staff will return with formal items for council action.