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BUSINESS CALENDAR <br /> MINUTES:At 5:03 P.M., the Business Calendar was considered. <br /> 3. Santa Ana Police Department Military Equipment Policy No. 707 and <br /> Unmanned Aerial System Policy No. 606 <br /> Recommended Action: Receive a presentation and provide input on Santa Ana <br /> Police Department's updated Military Equipment Policy No. 707, including the <br /> amendment pertaining to the use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), and <br /> Unmanned Aerial System Policy No. 606. <br /> MINUTES: Deputy City Manager Sylvia Vazquez introduced Military Equipment <br /> Policy No. 707 and Unmanned Aerial System Policy No. 606. <br /> Commander Jorge Lopez provided a presentation regarding Military Equipment <br /> Policy No. 707 and Unmanned Aerial System Policy No. 606. <br /> Commissioner Gawronski inquired whether the military conducts the training for <br /> officers to operate the drones. <br /> Commander Lopez clarified the military does not administer the drone training and <br /> instead selected Police Department personnel are trained and certified through <br /> various drone operator schools. <br /> Commissioner Vega inquired whether drones are considered military equipment, <br /> the cost of maintenance, the process of acquiring additional drones, and whether <br /> drones could be used to investigate illegal fireworks or code violations and <br /> requested the Police Department host workshops to educate the community on the <br /> new drone program. <br /> Commander Lopez stated state law classifies drones as military equipment, and <br /> clarified the cities drone program will not be used, provided or trained by the military. <br /> Additionally, he stated the projected yearly cost for drone damages and repairs are <br /> $15,000 to $20,000. <br /> Deputy Chief Roland Andrade outlined drone limitations regarding flight times, and <br /> clarified that drones could be dispatched for calls of service regarding illegal <br /> fireworks and will not be used to inspect for code enforcement cases. Additionally, <br /> he stated there are plans for a marketing campaign to familiarize the community <br /> with the drone operations. <br /> Vice Chair Castillo Laughton requested clarification regarding the training drone <br /> operators will receive and the number of police officers currently licensed for drone <br /> operations. Additionally, he expressed concern regarding the costs, inquired <br /> regarding the measures in place to protect drones from damage or destruction, the <br /> overall utility of the technology, and the availability of a warranty, and raised concern <br /> regarding privacy. He recommended the policy define specific usage scenarios <br /> rather than relying solely on an officer's judgment. <br /> POLICE OVERSIGHT COMMISSION 3 MARCH 12, 2026 <br />