Staff Report
City Council
Item No. {{section.number}}.{{item.number}}
Meeting Date: May 28, 2025
From: George Crum, Chief of Police
Title: Approval of Grant Expenditure SLESA FY 2021-2022 for Drone as First Responder (DFR) Equipment.
RECOMMENDATION:
To approve the expenditure plan appropriating Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Account (SLESA) for FY 2021-2022 allocation for drone as first responder (DFR) equipment.
BACKGROUND:
A Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Account (SLESA) has been established in each county of the state, for the purpose of overseeing and allocating funding being provided by the State of California's Citizens Options for Public Safety (Cal-COPS) program, for the purpose of funding frontline law enforcement services. The total state funding from the program allots a certain percentage for city funding. City funding allocations are distributed based on population estimates provided by Chapter 353 of the Budget Act for the particular year funding.
In accordance with Government Code Section 30061 and 30063, the City Council shall approve the appropriation of the anticipated funding by approving a written request in the form of an expenditure plan. The County of Riverside Sheriff’s Department is designated as the Supplemental Law Enforcement Oversight Committee and must certify receipts and approval of the city's expenditure plan prior to submitting it to the County Board of Supervisors for review and approval, who will subsequently authorize the County Auditor/Controller to release the funding.
Staff have researched and discussed the best options for the use of a portion of these funds and have concluded the best use would be to establish and purchase a drone as first responder (DFR) program and related equipment.
DISCUSSION:
Our current balance of SLESA. funds for FY 2021-2022 is $133,790.50. The expenditure plan requirement requests the identification of the category (or categories) for which the Police Department plans to expend current funding.
It has been determined through management and staff discussions that the best and most useful use of a portion of the funding will be designated to purchase a DFR system, consisting of two docking stations, two drones and the associated equipment.
The concept of drones as first responders involves deploying small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) to respond immediately to emergency calls for service. Operated by trained personnel, these drones can arrive on scene within minutes, often faster than ground units, providing critical real-time intelligence and situational awareness to responding officers and other public safety personnel. This technology is currently in use in several cities across the United States and has demonstrated substantial benefits in enhancing public safety, improving officer response tactics, and increasing community trust through transparency and accountability.
The DFR program would equip the police department with the ability to:
•Rapidly assess emergency situations: Drones can be deployed immediately after a 911 call is received, often arriving at the scene before ground units. This allows command staff and officers to assess conditions in real time and prepare more effectively.
•Enhance officer and civilian safety: Drones can observe from above without placing officers or civilians in direct danger. In situations such as active threats, disturbances, or traffic collisions, the drone provides early reconnaissance to help prevent escalation.
•Improve response time: DFR allows for faster initial response to calls, particularly in dense urban areas or during periods of high call volume. It helps prioritize which calls need urgent ground unit deployment versus those that can be resolved remotely or with delayed response.
•Support tactical operations: Real-time aerial imagery supports tactical planning in critical incidents such as search and rescue, missing persons, hazardous material situations, or pursuits.
•Promote transparency and accountability: All drone flights will be recorded and subject to departmental police, oversight, and public records protocols. This promotes community trust and ensures the system is used responsibly. •Cost-effective public safety tool: Compared to the cost of traditional aerial support (e.g., helicopters), drones provide a lower-cost solution with significant capability for day-to-day operations.
•Real time crime center (RTCC): This system will be used in conjunction with the RTCC. However, the system is self-sufficient and can be operated independently of the RTCC.
Staff secured a comprehensive quote/package from Advexure Unmanned Systems below:
(2) Two DJI Dock 3 for Matrice 4TD for $31,940.00.
(2) Two DJI Matrice 4TD for Dock 3 with DJI Care Enterprise Plus for $15,660.00. (2) Two DJI Matrice 4D series Flight Batteries for $758.00. (2) Two AVSS Parachute Recovery System for DJI Matrice 4TD for $5,400.00. (2) Two Advexure platform Stands for DJI Dock 3 for $1,300.00. (1) One year subscription for two DroneSense Remote for Docks (DFR License) for $10,400.00.
The total cost of equipment including sales tax is $67,023.36.
FISCAL IMPACT:
DESCRIPTION GENERAL
LEDGER
ACCOUNT
CODES
PROJECT
CODE
AMOUNT ONE TIME or
ONGOING
2024-2025 FY 2021/2022
SLESA
247-300-310-311-
8200-8209 G04594 $67,023.36 One-Time
2024-2025 Total $67,023.36
FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN:
GOAL E: SAFETY
Action E-3; Expand the use of cameras and other technology to promote public safety.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Advexure Sales Quote