Safer WeHo is the City of West Hollywood’s program for utilizing public safety technology, which refers to the various tools and systems that are used to enhance the safety and security of residents, businesses, and visitors in West Hollywood.

In August 2024, the City of West Hollywood began the process of implementing a series of projects to more fully utilize modern public safety technology. These efforts were approved by the West Hollywood City Council as part of a one-year pilot program.

The following are three of the City’s Safer WeHo public safety technology initiatives:

1. Drone as First Responder:

West Hollywood’s Drone as First Responder (DFR) program consists of prepositioning an unmanned aircraft system (UAS), commonly referred to as a drone, on top of a building for use within West Hollywood.

The intent of the DFR program is to improve response times on calls for service, enhance situational awareness, and optimize resources. A drone can also be a powerful tool for assisting in de-escalation.

The use of a drone will be in response to calls for service, search and rescue operations, barricaded suspect incidents, high risk tactical operations, disaster response, pursuit tracking, active shooter incidents, special events, and video/photographic documentation of crime scenes or traffic.

It is important to point out that privacy considerations are reflected in the DFR program to ensure precautions are made to avoid inadvertently recording or transmitting images of areas where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy. Drones will only be utilized by authorized personnel at the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station.

2. Fixed Real-Time Cameras:

The City of West Hollywood is coordinating the installation of a network of approximately 50 fixed real-time cameras, which will be strategically placed in locations throughout West Hollywood. Cameras are a proven crime-fighting tool. The City’s cameras will be used to assist in resolving crimes that have occurred and will provide real-time information to first responders on calls for service.

Fixed real-time cameras will only be utilized by authorized personnel at the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station.

3. Real-Time Watch Center:

A real-time watch center will be established at the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station. It will serve as the hub in monitoring of live video feeds from drones and fixed real-time cameras. The real-time watch center will also act as the focal point for access to previously captured camera footage, such as from existing Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) cameras.

As the City implements new Safer WeHo public safety technology, its Community Safety Department is working in close collaboration with the West Hollywood Station of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the Los Angeles County Fire Department, and the Block by Block Security Ambassadors program. The City’s aim is to strengthen safety and quality of life for community members in West Hollywood. If you have questions, concerns, or feedback, please email safety@weho.org.

For a list of Frequently Asked Questions regarding Public Safety Technology in the City of West Hollywood, please click here.