Memorandum
Date: June 7, 2026
To: The Honorable Lake County Board of Supervisors
From: Luke Bingham, Sheriff/Coroner
Subject: Approve the use of Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, approve the purchase and acquisition of sUAS from Advexure in an amount not to exceed $9,000.00
Executive Summary: In accordance with AB 481 as codified in Government Code sections 7070 through 7075, and Lake County Ordinance 3123, The Lake County Sheriff’s Office respectfully requests authorization to use sUAS across all divisions of the Sheriff’s Office. Additionally request approval to purchase three sUAS from Advexure not to exceed $9,000.00.
sUAS technology has become an invaluable asset in modern law enforcement, offering enhanced operational capabilities in a variety of mission-critical areas.
We have recently acquired three Matrice 4T aircrafts and are requesting three smaller UASs to fill voids in our UAS operations. These UASs will aid the same divisions but allow for use in tighter, more compact airspace. As a reminder these UASs will be used in the following:
In Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, sUAS provide rapid aerial assessments, thermal imaging, and access to difficult terrain, significantly improving response times and increasing the likelihood of successful outcomes. During patrol operations, drones enhance officer safety and situational awareness by monitoring large or high-risk areas and assisting with crowd management.
In investigative work, sUAS are used to document and map crime and accident scenes, collect aerial evidence, and support the safe and effective tracking of suspects or missing persons. The high-resolution imagery and video collected are often admissible in court and contribute to more thorough and efficient evidence collection.
Furthermore, a robust sUAS program reflects the agency’s commitment to innovation, safety, and technological advancement-qualities that enhance recruitment efforts by appealing to highly skilled, forward-thinking candidates.
Of the three companies solicitated, Advexure was the only company that was able to provide a detailed quote for all requested items per Lake County Code Chapter 2, Section 2-39-46.3.
If not budgeted, fill in the blanks below only:
Estimated Cost: __9,000_ Amount Budgeted: _75,000_ Additional Requested: ________ Future Annual Cost: ________
Purchasing Considerations (check all that apply): ☐ Not applicable
☒ Fully Article X. <https://library.municode.com/ca/lake_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH2AD_ARTXPU_S2-38EXCOBI>- and/or Consultant Selection Policy <http://lcnet.co.lake.ca.us/Assets/Intranet/Policy/Policies+$!26+Procedures+Manual/Ch4_2021v2.pdf>-Compliant (describe process undertaken in “Executive Summary”)
☐ Section 2-38 <https://library.municode.com/ca/lake_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH2AD_ARTXPU_S2-38EXCOBI> Exemption from Competitive Bidding (rationale in “Executive Summary,” attach documentation, as needed)
☐ For Technology Purchases: Vetted and Supported by the Technology Governance Committee <http://lcnet.co.lake.ca.us/Assets/Intranet/Intranet+Forms/Information+Technology/AdvPlan.pdf> (“Yes,” if checked)
☐ Other (Please describe in Executive Summary)
Consistency with Vision 2028 <http://www.lakecountyca.gov/Government/Directory/Administration/Visioning/Vision2028.htm> (check all that apply): ☒ Not applicable
☐ Well-being of Residents ☐ Public Safety ☐ Disaster Prevention, Preparedness, Recovery
☐ Economic Development ☐ Infrastructure ☐ County Workforce
☐ Community Collaboration ☐ Business Process Efficiency ☐ Clear Lake
Recommended Action: Approve the use of Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, approve the purchase and acquisition of sUAS from Advexure in an amount not to exceed $9,000.00