Drones are being considered by Sacramento County as a novel method of tracking and contacting homeless individuals.
According to the county’s probation department, the drones are necessary to reach probation-eligible homeless individuals, particularly in remote areas like the American Parkway.
“The idea that we are using drones to track homeless people is frightening,” said Alan Howard, a user of the American River Parkway.
The drones will be more than just aerial observers. They will be able to speak with those who are homeless.
According to the department, until officers are certain it is safe to move in, this will keep them from putting themselves in danger from things like loose animals, problems with the terrain, and other dangers.
“Obviously, there are transportation barriers for them to reach us, so we want to remove those barriers,” interim Chief Probation Officer Julie Wherry stated.
The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors approved Wherry’s plan to buy three commercial drones. When a homeless person fails to appear for their probation check-ins, the intention is to prevent the issuance of warrants.
“Most importantly, support on-site community check-ins with clients to reduce warrants and provide support resources such as clothing, water, snacks and hygiene products,” Wherry stated.
Personal hygiene kits, meals, mental health referrals, drug and substance counseling referrals, information and options for interim housing, and services from system partners are among the services offered, according to probation.
The drone plan is strongly opposed by the Sacramento Homeless Union. The union’s president, Crystal Sanchez, issued the following statement:
“The use of drones by the county probation department is just the latest escalation in a disturbing trend – treating people in crisis as if they are criminals to be surveilled, rather than neighbors in need of support and dignity…”Instead of investing in real housing solutions, the county is doubling down on tactics that traumatize, intimidate and further destabilize those who are already vulnerable.”
Read Also: Trump Administration Targets Columbia Over Alleged Discrimination Against Jewish Students
“A lot of homeless live right on the other side of this hill here,” Nicholas Free, who works at University Automotive near Cal Expo stated. “Multiple fires, encampments, but over the years, it has been getting a lot better.”
“I think it could be an inside help where they can have eyes up ahead and plan for some of these situations,” Free stated.
The probation department stated that it will fly the drones in accordance with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations. The grants needed to buy them are still being sought.
