Mystery drones have been sighted frequently across New Jersey, raising security concerns.
The Federal Aviation Administration's slow progress in implementing Remote ID technology complicates local law enforcement's ability to promptly identify these drones, the New York Post reported.
Recent legislation required unmanned aircraft systems to incorporate Remote ID, a technology designed to function similarly to a digital license plate. This enables each drone to broadcast its registration details, location, and altitude.
Though mandated, access to the FAA's Remote ID database for local law enforcement has not been realized nearly a year after its expected provision. This delay hinders the timely and effective monitoring of drone activities, which began to spike in reports starting November 18, 2024.
James McDanolds, an expert from Sonoran Desert Institute, explained the importance of this technology. "As long as it has a GPS and Remote ID built into the software and system, it can be tracked just like any other aircraft," he stated.
In a recent update, the FAA mentioned, “The FAA is working on developing Remote ID data sharing capabilities for law enforcement so they can have access to FAA registration information.” This statement follows widespread concerns from various sectors over the ongoing drone sightings, including unusual patterns and large drones with dimensions around 6 feet in diameter.
While some drones posed no threat, the FBI noted that fewer than 100 out of over 5,000 sightings required serious investigation. A collaborative statement from the DHS, FBI, FAA, and Department of Defense indicated that most incidents involved either legally operated drones or common misidentifications.
Having closely examined the technical data and tips from concerned citizens, we assess that the sightings to date include a combination of lawful commercial drones, hobbyist drones, and law enforcement drones, as well as manned fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and stars mistakenly reported as drones. To be clear, [authorities] have uncovered no such malicious activity or intent at this stage.
Despite the calm reassured by authorities, ongoing sightings as recently as December 13 and December 5 continue to populate police logs, especially in counties across Belleville and East Brunswick, NJ. Without access to the Remote ID database, police face significant challenges in swiftly resolving these incidents.
Local enforcement's frustrations are compounded by administrative delays. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) report in June highlighted the absence of a firm timeline for rolling out Remote ID access to law enforcement, a critical tool in their investigative processes.
The Part 107 rule of the FAA allows legally compliant drones to operate at night, restricted to a 400-foot altitude ceiling. Non-compliance with Remote ID regulations exposes operators to potential civil and criminal penalties, reinforcing the legal framework governing drone usage.
As part of a proposed solution, the FAA has requested additional federal funding to enhance Remote ID capabilities and expand the Law Enforcement Assistance Program (LEAP). This move aims to bridge the gap between technology promise and on-ground enforcement efficacy.
By enhancing Remote ID functionalities and resolving access issues, the FAA hopes to address both public concerns and legitimate security needs concerning drone operations. This progression is crucial for maintaining safety and security in an increasingly drone-frequented sky.
