City Council
259 N. Wilma Avenue
Ripon, CA 95366
MEMO
To: Honorable City Council
From: Daniel Sauer, Chief of Police
Date: 09/08/2026
Subject: Drone Replacement
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Approve and authorize the purchase of a Matrice 4T Urban Scout Package Drone for Police Department use in the not to exceed amount of $9,785.88 (funding source: General Capital Fund).
BACKGROUND:
The Ripon Police Department is currently without operational drones for its Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) program. This purchase will replace two out-of-service units, originally acquired in 2017 and 2023, that are beyond repair.
Only authorized operators who have completed the required training shall be permitted to operate the drone. Drones support patrol operations when conducting search warrants, crime scene/traffic collision documentation, criminal investigations, searching for missing persons and locating illegal encampments along the river.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The City of Ripon's fiscal impact for the purchase of the Matrice 4T Urban Scout Package Drone would not exceed $9,785.88. The expense will be funded by the General Capital Fund (current projected balance: $1.2 million).
Attachments:
1. Drone Quote