Fairfield police deny using drones to spot illegal fireworks
(Image via “Solano County Community Awareness” Facebook group, Graphic by Solano NewsNet)
The Fairfield Police Department says it did not use drones to target residents who may have used illegal fireworks in their city during the Independence Day holiday.
The denial came after a social media post published in a popular community group claimed that a local resident had received a citation after the police department purportedly used a drone to catch them using illegal fireworks.
On Wednesday, a Fairfield Police Department spokesperson confirmed to Solano NewsNet that the agency did not use drones as part of their Independence Day holiday crackdown on fireworks use.
"If a citation was issued, it was not due to use of a drone, as they were not utilized the night of [July 4]," Jennifer Brantley, the public information officer for the Fairfield Police Department, told Solano NewsNet by e-mail.
The police department does have an arsenal of drones — and recently requested more than $70,000 to purchase new ones — but a policy published on the agency’s website said their use is largely limited to criminal investigations. They are not allowed to be flown in areas where citizens have a “reasonable expectation of privacy,” the policy says.
Fireworks of all types are illegal in the City of Fairfield, including so-called “safe-and-sane” ones that do not fly into the air. The city had warned of significant fines for those who are caught using illegal fireworks.
The police department received around 400 calls for service between July 4 at 6 p.m. and July 5 at midnight, including 200 that were related to illegal fireworks use.
Connect with Solano NewsNet on Twitter and Facebook for breaking news updates. Have a tip? E-mail tips@solanonews.net or call/text 707-507-6397 (707-507-NEWS).
We’re proud to produce independent news for Solano County. If you would like to show your appreciation, consider making a donation in any amount or signing up for a paid subscription.