General (08)
Susana Barrios
From:Albright, Laura <LAlbright@ochca.com>
Sent:Monday, June 8, 2026 10:16 AM
To:Public Comment
Subject:\[EXTERNAL\] Reallocating Funds: Replacing Anaheim’s Costly Helicopter Program with
Efficient DFR Technology
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Dear Mayor and City Council Members,
I am writing as an Anaheim resident to urge the City Council to defund and phase out the Anaheim
Police Department’s expensive helicopter program.
Aviation units demand millions of dollars annually for fuel, maintenance, and specialized staffing.
These outdated assets cause constant noise pollution and raise serious privacy concerns across our
neighborhoods.
With the emergence of Drone-as-a-First-Responder (DFR) programs, keeping a helicopter fleet is no
longer financially or operationally justifiable. DFR systems provide identical, high-quality aerial
situational awareness at a fraction of the acquisition and maintenance costs. They deploy faster,
operate quietly, and offer a much smaller carbon footprint.
I request that the Council audit the current helicopter program budget and look into replacing it
entirely with modern DFR technology. The millions of dollars saved should be left in the pockets of
the residents who have been saddled with the burden of excessive taxes.
Thank you for your time, leadership, and dedication to a forward-thinking Anaheim.
Sincerely,
Laura Albright
Resident in District 1
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Laura Albright, REHS
Environmental Health Specialist II |Public Health Services
Environmental Health Division|Water Quality
1241 E. Dyer Rd. #120, Santa Ana, CA 92705
ochealthinfo.com
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