Police and city officials in La Mesa are advancing a proposal to use drones as first responders in an effort to cut response times and allow for more efficient deployment of emergency personnel.
The La Mesa Police Department applied for a $2 million federal grant to fund the drone project after city leaders approved the grant application request on April 14.
Drones are already used as a first-response tool by Oceanside, Chula Vista and dozens of cities across the country. The aerial vehicles launch immediately during high-profile calls and give an overhead view of a crime or emergency situation, arriving on scene ahead of officers or firefighters.
“This technology also provides better situational awareness that can prevent ambushes, reduce officer-involved uses of force, and improve de-escalation by confirming what is actually occurring before officers enter,” La Mesa Police Chief Ray Sweeney wrote in the grant application.
The resource would be shared by the Police Department and Heartland Fire & Rescue, a fire agency that provides emergency services for the East County cities of La Mesa, El Cajon and Lemon Grove.
Drones will shorten response times by quickly locating suspects, victims and hazards, and confirming perimeter needs, Sweeney said.
The aerial imagery will drive decision-making while crimes are in progress or while fires burn, he said, ensuring efficient deployment of resources.
Councilmember Patricia Dillard said she first brought the idea to Heartland Fire in hopes of improving safety for first responders and residents across East County.
“Having a drone ability for firefighters would allow them to send the drone to a second fire to assess if they should pull firefighters from the initial fire they were called to,” Dillard said.
During major events, such as farmers markets or the annual La Mesa Oktoberfest, Sweeney said, the drones would strengthen situational awareness for police officers.
A portion of the grant money would pay for a “real-time crime center,” which would be a hub for the La Mesa Police Department to “consolidate and analyze” data and live feeds to direct field response, according to the grant application.
If awarded, the grant funds would cover everything from integration technology to an ongoing pilot and analyst training program. No new personnel would be needed.
The grant application identified a project period of Oct. 1 through Sept. 30, 2027, and was submitted to Rep. Sara Jacobs’ office under a federal program that allocates funds for community projects.
“This will help protect our firefighters, our landowners, and of course, our residents, not just for La Mesa, but throughout the region,” Dillard said.