As I shared last week, in partnership with the Sacramento Fire Department, we are expanding the use of our drones for a trial period. Here is the press release that was sent out:
Sacramento Police Launch Drone First Responder Trial Program
The Sacramento Police Department (SPD), in partnership with the Sacramento Fire Department (SFD), will begin a Drone First Responder (DFR) Trial Program. This innovative program utilizes small uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), or drones, to respond to calls for service from a fixed location. The drones will provide critical overwatch before first responders arrive on scene, verify information, and assist in area searches. By integrating drones into public safety response, the program aims to enhance community service and potentially reduce response times.
The DFR Trial Program will begin on Wednesday, November 20th and will operate in the Del Paso Heights area of Sacramento. Using a data-driven approach, the program is designed to assess call volume, crime patterns, and current patrol use. During the trial, SPD employees will work Wednesday through Saturday, from 10 AM to 8 PM, with drones covering a two-mile response radius. The location was carefully chosen to limit intrusion into airport flight paths and other airspace concerns.
Throughout the trial period, DFR drones may be dispatched alongside or in place of emergency personnel. This will supplement SPD’s Air Operations Unit. The program will track response times, workload, and overall customer service, which will help inform the future use of drone technology in Sacramento’s public safety efforts.
Sacramento Police Department’s UAS Team has been in operation since 2019 and consists of 24 certified pilots. In 2024, the team has supported over 170 emergency calls, conducting more than 573 drone flights. Committed to adopting the latest technology, the City of Sacramento ensures that privacy and transparency remain a priority. All flight data from the DFR program will be made available to the public through the City’s UAS transparency page, accessible here: https://app.airdata.com/u/spduas.
The results of the DFR Trial Program will be reviewed by both the SPD and SFD to evaluate the potential for broader implementation in Sacramento’s public safety operations.
These are the most recent significant incidents / arrests in Police Districts 1 and 2:
Firearm Arrest – Arden Way and Del Paso Boulevard
Friday, November 15th at 11:54 p.m.
Officers initiated a traffic stop for a driver speeding. During the traffic stop, a passenger inside the vehicle was in possession of a firearm (see photo). This passenger was arrested on firearm charges.
Firearm Arrest – Branch Street and Alamos Avenue
Saturday, November 16th at 1:12 a.m.
A patrol officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop and the driver (suspect) parked, then immediately fled on foot. The suspect left a loaded handgun inside the vehicle (see photo). A perimeter was established and the suspect was located. Officers safely detained the suspect, then arrested him for firearm related charges.
Arrest of Wanted Suspect – 900 block of Macarther Street
Saturday, November 16th at 9:32 p.m.
Officers responded to a residence due to a report of a shooting. Responding officers detained multiple people at the residence. A computer check showed one subject to have a felony warrant. There was no evidence of a shooting. Officers did locate replica firearms. The subject with the felony warrant was arrested.
Robbery – 2100 block of River Plaza Drive
Monday, November 18th at 3:01 a.m.
Officers responded to the area due to a report of a person being robbed. Responding officers determined that the victim was robbed of his wallet, after being pistol whipped numerous times. The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Officers completed a canvas and the investigation is ongoing.
Foot Pursuit and Arrest of Wanted Suspect – 700 block of Dixieanne Avenue
Tuesday, November 19th at 4:29 p.m.
A wanted suspect ran from officers. After a short foot pursuit, a perimeter was established and the suspect was located. Officers safely detained the suspect and arrested him on his felony warrant.
Business Burglary – 3600 block of Truxel Road
Tuesday, November 19th at 1:52 a.m.
A business was burglarized. While inside the business, the suspect(s) stole approximately $3,000 in merchandise. Responding officers completed a thorough canvas and the investigation is ongoing.
Homicide investigation – 3800 block of Northgate Boulevard
Tuesday, November 19th at 6:19 p.m.
Please see the press release for details on this homicide:
https://apps.sacpd.org/Releases/liveview.aspx?reference=20241120-066
Shooting Investigation – 4400 block of Baumgart Way
Tuesday, November 19th at 7:43 p.m.
Officers responded to a residence due to a report of a shooting. Responding officers determined that the house was struck by gunfire. There were no reported injuries. A thorough canvas was completed and the investigation is ongoing.
Auto Theft Arrest – East Commerce Way and North Park Drive
Wednesday, November 20th at 7:42 a.m.
Officers located a stolen vehicle in the area. A traffic stop was initiated, and the driver was safely detained, then arrested for auto theft.
Stabbing Investigation – 900 block of Macarthur Street
Wednesday, November 20th at 12:41 a.m.
A stabbing victim arrived at an area hospital. The victim sustained a non-life-threatening injury. Officers completed follow-up investigation and determined that the stabbing occurred at a residence in the 900 block of Macarthur Street. Officers completed a thorough canvas in the area and the investigation is ongoing.
Vehicle Pursuit – Truxel Road and West El Camino
Wednesday, November 20th at 12:41 a.m.
Officers located a stolen vehicle in the area. The driver (suspect) started to make evasive maneuvers as the officers were preparing to initiate a traffic stop. The suspect fled from officers and a vehicle pursuit was initiated. The suspect drive onto a dead-end street, then fled on foot from the vehicle. Officers chased the suspect and caught him, then safely detained him. He was arrested for auto theft and evading.
Shooting Investigation – 4400 block of Baumgart Way
Wednesday, November 20th at 9:45 p.m.
Officers responded to a residence in the area due to a report of a shooting. There were no reported injuries as a result of the shooting. Officers confirmed that the residence was struck by gunfire. A thorough canvas was completed and the investigation is ongoing.
Burglary Arrest – 2200 block of Del Paso Boulevard
Thursday, November 21st at 3:48 a.m.
Officers responded to a burglary at a business with an employee chasing a suspect after the crime had been committed. Responding officers safely detained the suspect. Officers determined that the suspect had stolen approximately $1,000 worth of items from the business. The suspect was arrested for burglary.
I hope that this information is helpful. As always, please reach out if we can help with anything.
Proud to serve as your Area Captain!
