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Report regarding a resolution authorizing the acceptance of $157,573.79 from an anonymous donor through the 100 Club of San Mateo County to support and enhance the police department's drone program and approving Budget Amendment Number 26.055 to increase the Police Department's Fiscal Year 2025-26 Operating Budget to increase General Fund budgeted revenues and expenditures by the amount of the donation. (Scott Campbell, Chief of Police)
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the acceptance of $157,573.79 from an anonymous donor through the 100 Club of San Mateo County to support and enhance the police department's drone program and approving Budget Amendment Number 26.055 to increase the Police Department's Fiscal Year 2025-26 Operating Budget to increase General Fund budgeted revenues and expenditures by the amount of the donation.
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
The Police Department was approached by an anonymous donor through the 100 Club of San Mateo County to donate $157,573.79 specifically to support and enhance our drone technology and capabilities. The Police Department began utilizing drone technology for patrol operations in the beginning of 2025. Drones are used to provide an aerial observation platform to enhance the efficiency and safety of police operations. The uses of drones include, but are not limited to, scene documentation, area searches for people and/or evidence, disaster response, tactical operations, and critical incident management.
In the first year of the program, the Police Department deployed drones for patrol and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) related incidents well over 400 times. Notably, the use of drones during recent critical incidents undoubtedly played a key role in saving the lives of both officers and members of the public. The Police Department remains committed to being on the cutting edge of technology and is actively working to expand our d...
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