Inside Chula Vista’s Drone Program

Eight years on, Chula Vista operates one of the most sophisticated drone programs in American law enforcement — and, with 46 aircraft on its books, one of the largest inventories of any agency in San Diego County, according to annual reports required by state law.

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Inside Chula Vista’s Drone Program
A DJI M350 on top of the roof at the Chula Vista Police Department on Thursday, May 28, 2026. There are other launchpads throughout the city. (Kristian Carreon / The San Diego Union-Tribune)