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Gonzales adopts ordinance to add small police drone after grant covers most cost
Summary
The city adopted Ordinance No. 2026-156 to authorize purchase of a small police drone; a $2,622 grant covers most of the $2,772.04 price, with the department covering the remaining difference and compliance with existing police policies required.
The Gonzales City Council adopted Ordinance No. 2026-156 authorizing the purchase and use of a small unmanned aerial system for the Gonzales Police Department.
Staff told the council that District Supervisor Chris Lopez secured grant funds and "the city was awarded, $2,622," which will be applied toward the purchase. Staff also provided the purchase price for the selected package: "$2,772.04," and said the department will cover the small difference from its funds.
City staff emphasized that under state law and the city's policies drones are treated as military equipment when specific statutory definitions apply, and that the department's existing policy on drone use and training will govern the new device. "Drones are considered military equipment and under, both state law and our own policies," staff told the council, and staff said operators are trained and that testing and training flights occur on a monthly basis.
During public comment a resident asked about public education and whether the drone would use artificial-intelligence features such as facial recognition. The commenter asked, "Like, it has AI intelligence on it where you can see your face and stuff like that." Staff responded that use is governed by policy and relevant laws, that the department provides an annual inventory and usage report to the council, and that the police page of the city's website posts equipment inventories and deployment counts.
A councilmember moved to adopt the ordinance and waive a second reading; a second was recorded and the council voted 'Aye.' Staff noted the ordinance would take effect in 30 days if adopted.
The staff report said the selected model is a smaller complement to the department's larger drone and is intended for indoor operations, securing buildings during search warrants and situations where a more compact platform is useful. Staff named the vendor used previously (General Pacific) and said the department expects the smaller drone to complement the existing larger aircraft.
Next steps: staff will complete procurement and ensure the drone is operated under the department's policy, annual reporting and any applicable state or federal requirements.
