Police Chief Seeks Plane for Drug Surveillance
Saying drug trafficking in the Central Valley may be supporting terrorism, Police Chief Jerry Dyer has asked the City Council to spend $222,000 on a used Cessna airplane.
Some council members were skeptical about the need for the plane, which would be paid for by a federal Department of Homeland Security grant. Noting that the Police Department already has a $1.3-million jet helicopter and another on the way, council President Brad Castillo said he wanted more information documenting the need for the plane before he supports the idea.
Dyer said surveillance of drug deals and other criminals from cars has become unworkable because of the city’s traffic congestion. He said the Police Department often rents planes for $185 per hour, but he did not reveal how many times that has been done or for what purpose.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
