Month: October 2025

Kendall Flynn

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The Palm Springs Police Department has had Flock and intersection cameras for a few years, working to read license plates and surveillance road incidents faster. Within the last four to six months, they’ve added even more technology to better this process.

In recent months, PSPD added three drones to rooftops throughout the city that they can access through a database. They can fly autonomously or by remote control, working to get eyes on the scene before officers arrive.

When a call comes in through dispatch, pilots can see calls on their computer and launch a drone to that site if needed. They can watch the scene in real time and decide what type of units need to be sent to the area.

Just a few days ago PSPD was able to locate a stolen vehicle on their license plate detection, see where the car has driven with their intersection cameras and launch a drone to the site where the vehicle stopped.

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear how officers use all of the technology together to keep the city safe.

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City News Service

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – The Board of Supervisors today directed agencies to establish individually tailored policies related to the deployment and use of unmanned aerial systems — generally known as “drones” — to ensure compliance with federal regulations and safety parameters.

The Executive Office sought and got the board’s 5-0 approval of the new policy, A-76, which establishes the need for agencies to craft guidelines for use of drones, night or day.

“I’m in support of this,” Rancho Mirage resident Brad Anderson told the board ahead of its vote. “The public needs to know who is flying, where they’re flying and why they’re flying these drones.”

The county Sheriff’s Department has utilized the remote-controlled aerial vehicles for years, but other agencies are integrating them into their operations, too.

“Although many county departments currently use these systems successfully, it is prudent to communicate to the public and department personnel that the county has taken action to ensure safe and responsible operations of these systems,” according to an EO statement posted to the board’s agenda. “It is important to differentiate that these systems are being used for governmental purposes and not for recreational purposes.”   

A-76 mandates that agencies clarify when drones may be used under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 107. The Federal Aviation Administration regulates unmanned aerial systems.

New policies must incorporate training requirements and responsibilities for “remote pilot in command,” “person manipulating controls” and “visual observers.”

Agencies will need to ensure compliance with licensure requirements under Part 107.  

“Guidelines shall include unit composition,” according to the EO. “County UAS operations shall be comprised of those personnel recognized as qualified and assigned by county departments or districts and may include a UAS coordinator, RPIC, VO and others as deemed necessary. An individual may fulfill multiple roles.”   

Key features of each agency’s UAS operational standards will include “steps to ensure the UAS will pose no undue hazard to other people, other aircraft or other property in the event of a loss of control of the vehicle for any reason,” and that all “reporting requirements … meet or exceed current county standards if a flight operation results in injury or property damage,” according to the provisions of A-76.

There should be limitations on night operations, officials said, and each department will be required to maintain adherence to any changes to federal law.

Drones are generally required to remain at or below 400 feet vertical distance from the highest obstacle or terrain and not be operated in the immediate vicinity of airports or other locations where they could pose a hazard. However, the FAA does permit waivers that are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Agencies now have 60 days to draft UAS policies and submit them for review.

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Jesus Reyes

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert launched an online survey to better understand the experiences and needs of the Coachella Valley’s LGBTQ+ population and help steer future community programs. 

Every valley resident, full- or part-time, who identifies as LGBTQ+ is encouraged to set aside 30 minutes in October to complete the survey.

“At The Center, everything we do is driven by the needs, hopes, and lived experiences of LGBTQ+ people in the Coachella Valley.” said Center CEO Mike Thompson. “The Quality of Life Survey is an important opportunity for us to hear directly from those we serve – and those we’ve yet to serve – from across the valley. The insights we gather will help guide The Center’s future program priorities, inform where and how we expand geographically, and ensure our services reflect the realities of LGBTQ+ individuals and families across our region.” 

Survey questions relate to people’s experiences around accessing local services, connections to the community, personal safety, discrimination, and other topics. The survey can be completed anonymously, and responses will not be shared with others. 

The Center, working with consultants at HMA Community Strategies, conducted months of conversations and focus groups of diverse community members from every part of the Coachella Valley. The outcome was a survey that gets at the topics most on the minds of community members and questions intended to best understand their experiences. 

The survey is open through Oct. 31. The Center hopes to share preliminary results as they become available then follow with Community Convenings in early 2026 to share detailed findings.

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