SACRAMENTO — Sacramento County is eyeing a new approach to track and contact people living homeless: drones.

The county's probation department said it needs the drones to contact homeless people who are on probation, specifically in hard-to-reach spots like along the American Parkway.

"It's a scary thought to think our society is at the point that we are tracking homeless people with drones," said Alan Howard, who uses the American River Parkway.

The drones won't just be eyes in the sky. They will be able to communicate with homeless people. The department said this will prevent officers from exposing themselves to potential risk, such as loose animals, terrain issues and other hazards until they are sure it is safe to move in.

"Obviously, there are transportation barriers for them to

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