California Cities Debate Police Drone Surveillance

California cities including San Francisco, Berkeley, Santa Ana and Stockton are weighing expanded police-drone programs as departments promote drones as first responders and tools for investigations, while residents and civil-liberties groups warn about warrantless surveillance, data retention and corporate influence. A 2021 state law requires local approval for police use of drones classified as military equipment, bringing expansion proposals before public hearings. In San Francisco, commissioners advanced a policy for the department’s 98 drones that permits a range of uses but requires a warrant or legal exception to focus on the interior of a home or an enclosed yard not visible from a public place; the proposal still requires further approval. Other local rules vary, with some agencies deploying drones broadly for routine emergency calls and others limiting flights to specific incidents. Privacy advocates point to litigation settlements that have imposed safeguards such as warrants or consent for home surveillance, notice to residents and limits on retaining footage, while supporters argue responsible drone use can improve public safety.