Hayward PD's drone proposal delayed after council postpones vote

The Hayward City Council postponed a vote on the police department’s proposal to purchase four drones. City staff pulled the item after discussion about public vetting and privacy policy. Councilmember Al Mendall said the public should comment on managing such technologies. The police department estimated the initial cost of the drones and up to eight operating licenses at up to $50,000. The department had sought the drones for more than a year; a council infrastructure committee had recommended approval in October 2019 but urged more public discussion. The Alameda County Sheriff’s Department has used drones for five years; Union City and Newark also have drone programs.