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Becerra, Alexis From: jennifer peatco.net <jennifer@peatco.net> Sent: Thursday, January 29, 2026 12:18 PM To: eComment Subject: Public Comment— Support for Responsible Drone Use in Policing Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana.Use caution when opening attachments or links. I support the City of Santa Ana's use of drones as a policing and public safety tool. As a business stakeholder working daily with property owners and tenants impacted by crime and public safety issues in this city, I see firsthand how crime,vandalism, illegal dumping,trespassing, and unmanaged encampments directly harm businesses, residents, and the local economy. These conditions drive up costs, deter customers, increase insurance claims, and place an unfair burden on property owners who are already struggling to operate responsibly. At the same time, Santa Ana Police officers are spread thin. Expecting traditional patrol methods alone to address today's volume and complexity of incidents is unrealistic. Drones are a practical force multiplier.They allow officers to quickly assess situations, locate suspects, document active crimes, and deploy resources efficiently—often preventing escalation and reducing the need for physical confrontations. This can reduce response times, improve officer safety, and help restore order in areas that have been repeatedly impacted by crime and disorder. For businesses and property owners,that translates into safer premises,fewer repeat incidents, and a more stable environment for employees,tenants, and customers. As for constitutional concerns, responsible drone use can and must comply with the Fourth Amendment. Drones should be deployed for specific, legitimate law enforcement purposes, not indiscriminate surveillance. Use should be governed by written policies, supervisor authorization, defined retention limits, and strict prohibitions against monitoring lawful activity.These guardrails already exist in constitutional law and can be clearly enforced at the local level. Used correctly, drones do not erode civil liberties—they can reduce unnecessary police encounters, limit officer exposure, and provide objective documentation of events.The choice is not between safety and privacy; it is between modern, regulated tools and outdated approaches that no longer meet the realities on the ground. Santa Ana's residents, businesses, and property owners deserve effective policing that reflects current conditions. I urge the City to move forward with drone deployment promptly,with transparency and accountability. Public safety is not optional. It is foundational. Thank you. Best regards, CMCA®,CCAM®,AMS® IF CA DRE License#01207218 Oregon REA Princ. Broker License#201229227 CA Notary Public j ennifer(a,peatco.net 1