Atascadero, California Development News

Atascadero Police Department's Annual Military Equipment Report Approved; Drone Program Greenlit

The Atascadero Police Department presented its annual military equipment report, which included an audit confirming no policy violations, complaints, or misuse of equipment in the past year. The report detailed 43 patrol rifles, two precision rifles, and nine 40mm less-than-lethal launchers, none of which were used in the field, only during training. The department also sought approval to adopt updated military equipment policies, specifically to allow assisting agencies to use their own approved military equipment within their policies, and to formally establish and approve a drone program. The proposed drone, a DJI Matrice 4T, was highlighted for its thermal imaging, zoom capabilities, laser rangefinder, obstacle avoidance, and public safety focus, with an estimated program cost of $60,416. The council also voted to approve the drone program and add it to the military equipment list, addressing concerns about privacy by stating it would not be used for surveillance or random patrol and would adhere to constitutional responsibilities and FAA regulations. The decision to add the drone was approved by the council.