Date: December 2, 2025
To: The Honorable Lake County Board of Supervisors
From: Luke Bingham, Sheriff/Coroner
Subject: Approve the purchase and use of Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) by the Lake County Sheriff's Office using a Sourcewell Contract
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. This equipment is being funded through the Sheriff/Asset Forfeiture budget 2214, object code 62.74 and fixed asset authorization was approved during Preliminary Budget hearings.
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 sUAS to fill voids in our sUAS operations. These sUAS will aid the same divisions but allow for use in tighter, more compact airspace. As a reminder these sUAS 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 enh...
Click here for full text