Laserfiche WebLink
Flores, Dora <br />From:NetZero <edmlbranch@netzero.com> <br />Sent:Tuesday, <br />To:Amezcua, Valerie; Nunez, Alvaro; Bacerra, Phil; eComment <br />Subject:Agenda Item 15 - Public Comment on SAPD Drone Contract <br /> Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links. <br />Dear Mayor Amezcua, City Manager Nunez and Members of the Council— <br /> <br />I am writing in support of the Santa Ana Police Department’s efforts to purchase drones for the department. <br /> <br />This is something we have long supported primarily because of the increased efficiency and effectiveness of <br />deploying law enforcement personnel to the places where their help is most urgently needed. <br /> <br />Drones have proven to be an effective use of police technology in other agencies and as the seat of Orange <br />County it is something our police officers should be able to call upon. <br /> <br />In addition to saving the City money we are now spending “renting” units from neighboring cities, the use of <br />this technology will save hours of staff time for officers dispatched to scenes by not having them routed by a <br />request for service only to find when they arrive that there is no criminal activity taking place at the location. <br /> <br />Drones can be used to pinpoint people setting off fireworks and enable officers to issue tickets. This will help <br />stave off the fireworks activity so many residents complain about every year while also enabling the City of <br />fine offenders. <br /> <br />Drones have been proven effective especially in situations where we are sending an officer running into a dark <br />alley not knowing what they will encounter. This increases the officer’s safety and potentially the safety of <br />others in the area. <br /> <br />Public safety should be paramount in the City’s plans. Each year we are asked what our thoughts are on where <br />the City should spend its money and resources. Each year Public Safety comes back as number one. The <br />purchase of the drones will go a long way to help our police department do their jobs in a safe and effective <br />manner. <br /> <br />We would appreciate your approval on this motion. <br />Thank you. <br /> <br /> <br />Mary Lou Branch <br />Young Square <br />3 <br /> <br />