Big Brother in Lakewood? (Gov't Drone program)
Council approved the program's federal grant in August. Questions remain.
Brian Maquena
November 30, 2023
LAKEWOOD, CALIF. — Will local government drones soon be watching you from above?
City Council approved funding Aug. 8th for a “drone services provider” via a federal grant, the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistances Grant commonly referred to as JAG. The grant program funds “crime prevention and criminal justice programs and projects,” per a one-page city report. (See page 614, item RI-9.)
Details of the $20,043 grant program are still being worked out, according to an email by Councilwoman Cassandra Chase, who was kind enough to reach out to City staff for more information.
“The city will certainly being taking privacy and related legalities and concerns into account,” she wrote.
Chase referred the Lakewood Populist to Public Safety Director Joshua Yordt for more information. The Lakewood Populist has sent him and Chase the following questions:
What will the City be purchasing?
What Department will be training with these drones?
Whether the Drones will be taking pictures and video?
When the Drone Program will start or, if it has already done so, when did it start?
Ahh well, we told EVERYONE this would happen and only you and a handful of others took it seriously. Elections have consequences, and one of those is NOT having Michelle on the council to fight against crap like this. I'm so sorry you have to live with this Brian. All i can say is get out of CA ASAP. you dont want to be there for whatever happens in 2024... likely including these here drones.
-Christian