Sacramento County plans to use drones to locate homeless encampments and people on probation.

On Tuesday the county’s probation office received approval from the Board of Supervisors to purchase the drones.

Julie Wherry, interim chief probation officer said it will be another tool to “enhance community engagement” with the unhoused population.

The drones will be used to reach areas that are difficult to access by foot or vehicle, such as the American River Parkway.

“There are transportation barriers to check-in with us at our check-in sites,” said Wherry.

With the drones, probation officers can also communicate with the people living in the encampments without being exposed to any risk.

The goal is to reduce warrants and provide resources to homeless people where they have probatio

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