File photo: Andrew Goff.

PREVIOUSLY:

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Press release from the City of Eureka:

The City of Eureka has removed Item G.6 from the October 21, 2025 City Council agenda. This item had proposed seeking Council authorization for the Eureka Police Department (EPD) to begin researching the potential implementation of an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) program. The proposed UAS program was intended to enhance EPD’s ability to safely and effectively respond to specific incidents, including:

  • Mental health crises involving self-harm or suicidal individuals;
  • Mental health crises involving potentially armed individuals;
  • Searches for missing or at-risk persons, including children and adults;
  • Barricaded suspect situations requiring interior or aerial assessment; and
  • Public safety incidents occurring near schools or densely populated areas.
  • Evaluation of Natural Disaster Incidents

These types of deployments have proven to improve outcomes and reduce risks to officers and community members. Currently, EPD must rely on outside agencies for UAS support, which can limit timely access to this critical resource. Examples of prior drone assisted operations include:

  • De-escalating and negotiating with a person in crisis that was threatening to jump from the Eureka water tower;
  • >De-escalating a crisis involving a person armed with multiple edged weapons inside a vehicle;
  • Providing aerial lighting during nighttime tactical operations while maintaining officer concealment;
  • Searching structures for armed barricaded suspects before team entry; and
  • Locating armed subjects near school campuses during lockdowns.

Under Eureka Municipal Code Chapter 104 (Military Equipment), City Council authorization is required before EPD can begin research or prepare information regarding any UAS system. While this item has been pulled from the current agenda, EPD remains committed to ensuring community safety through the use of Council-approved technologies and maintaining transparency in any future program development.