Cerritos Sheriff’s Station Deploys Cutting-Edge Drone Technology for Safer Communities
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CERRITOS, CA – June 6, 2025 - The Cerritos Sheriff’s Station is proud to announce the implementation of its Unmanned Aircraft Systems program. Unmanned Aircraft Systems, more commonly referred to as drones, have proven to be a valuable resource to law enforcement, first responders, and during emergency service operations.
The Cerritos Sheriff Station and many other law enforcement agencies have adopted drone programs after seeing the benefits and value they provide to improve public safety. The Cerritos Station drone program is not a replacement to its current air support program (helicopters), but rather, an additional resource which can be utilized to enhance public safety. The drones will assist deputies during high-risk situations.
The program was funded by the City of Cerritos, who purchased two aerial drones, as well as all necessary accessories to effectively start the program.
“The City of Cerritos is thankful to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department for its support of this cutting-edge drone program, which will assist Cerritos Sheriff's deputies with handling high-risk service calls,” said Mayor Frank Aurelio Yokoyama. “This program is one of a number of new safety initiatives that not only strengthens our service to the community but enhances our longstanding partnership with the LASD.”
The program consists of several personnel who have attended and completed the mandatory Federal Aviation Administration training. In addition, all certified drone pilots have completed additional training through the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Special Enforcement Bureau.
"I’m grateful for the Department’s long-standing partnership with the City of Cerritos, whose leadership shares our vision of leveraging modern technology to enhance public safety,” said Cerritos Station Captain Dru Strong. “Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) have become indispensable tools in contemporary law enforcement—offering real-time aerial support, improving situational awareness, and enabling faster, more effective responses to critical incidents. This technology not only strengthens our ability to protect our community but also helps reduce risk to both deputies and civilians."
For More Information
Contact the Cerritos Sheriff's Station at at (562) 860-0044 or visit cerritos.gov/burglarydefense.