The Chula Vista Police Department has aggressively deployed drones, flying them nearly 20,000 times since 2018, often before officers arrive on scene. A WIRED investigation found the drones disproportionately surveilled poorer, immigrant neighborhoods. While touted as a public safety tool, the persistent overhead cameras have some residents feeling invaded and privacy experts warning of overreach and mission creep. The department defends the transparency of its drone program.
The Chula Vista Police Department has aggressively deployed drones, flying them nearly 20,000 times since 2018, often before officers arrive on scene. A WIRED investigation found the drones disproportionately surveilled poorer, immigrant neighborhoods. While touted as a public safety tool, the persistent overhead cameras have some residents feeling invaded and privacy experts warning of overreach and mission creep. The department defends the transparency of its drone program.