CITY OF HAWAIIAN GARDENS
CITY COUNCIL
STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item #B2
DATE: November 12, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Ernesto Marquez, City Manager
BY: Steve Gomez, Public Safety Director
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation to receive and file a report summarizing a meeting between City of Hawaiian Gardens staff and the Cerritos Sheriff's station regarding their recently implemented drone program.
SUMMARY
In October 2025, staff met with Captain Strong and members of the Cerritos Sheriff’s Station to gain information on their recently established drone program.
The program took approximately 8 months to implement, and it has been operating for approximately 7 months. The initial step in adopting the drone program was for Captain Strong to submit a written request to the Chief of the Special Operations Division of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department.
It was imperative that the written request be carefully worded so that the program description was not too broad. The written request listed flight operation examples such as life-threatening situations, such as search & rescue, explosive ordinance detection missions, disaster response, barricaded suspects, hostage situations, active shooters, hazardous materials incidents, fire related incidents, and other high risk tactical operations.
During the meeting, members of the Cerritos Sheriff’s Station provided a drone flying demonstration. The average drone costs approximately $10,000. The city of Cerritos purchased two drones and donated them to the Sheriff’s Department. The Sheriff’s Department assumed all liability and responsibility for the drones.
Agenda Item #B2
November 12, 2025
The Sheriff’s Department needed to identify pilots from the Cerritos Sheriff Station and have these individuals trained. Training/Certification took approximately 6 months.
Captain Strong stated that he has a good working relationship with the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station, and he would be happy to assist if needed.
FISCAL IMPACT
None at this time.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve Recommendation.
ATTACHMENTS
None.