‘Please report it’: Virginia State Police investigating recent spike in drone sightings
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Virginia State Police has reported over 150 tips for drone sightings across the commonwealth this month alone, sparking concerns about privacy and security. The sightings have been reported in every region of the state, from Southwest Virginia to Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia. Matthew Demlein with Virginia State Police emphasized the widespread nature of the issue. “If you’re seeing it -- doesn’t matter where you are in Virginia, it can be Southwest Virginia, here, Hampton Roads, Northern Virginia,” Demlein said. Police are urging residents not to take matters into their own hands. While state law prohibits drones from flying within 50 feet of residences, shooting them down is illegal. “If you have a drone flying in a residential area that is acting unlawfully, report that to your local law enforcement,” Demlein emphasized. "The military installations, airports, things along those lines. If you’re seeing something like that, that’s when you want to report it.” Virginia is not alone in addressing this issue. State Police are working with agencies nationwide, including the FBI in New Jersey, which has received thousands of drone-related tips in the past few weeks. Demlein underscored the importance of staying proactive. “If you’re seeing something, say something," Demlein said "In this case, if you see a drone acting suspiciously, please report it to us.” The Virginia Fusion Center’s Shield Program has classified drones as a significant security threat, indicating they are taking these reports seriously: UAVs have become increasingly affordable, accessible, and capable, offering unprecedented opportunities for innovation and efficiency. However, these same attributes also make UAVs a growing concern for public safety, national security, and critical infrastructure. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), along with other global regulatory bodies, have introduced measures such as Remote Identification (Remote ID) and UAV registration to mitigate these risks. Despite these efforts, the evolving capabilities of UAVs and their increasing use by non-state actors, terrorists, and criminal organizations underscore the urgency of addressing these threats comprehensively. The Virginia Fusion Center Shield Program On Wednesday, the Federal Aviation Administration issued a partial ban on drone flights in New Jersey due to heightened activity, but police say there are no plans yet for similar restrictions in Virginia. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious drone activity directly to the Virginia Fusion Center at vfc@vfc.vsp.virginia.gov or through their website.
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RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Virginia State Police has reported over 150 tips for drone sightings across the commonwealth this month alone, sparking concerns about privacy and security.
The sightings have been reported in every region of the state, from Southwest Virginia to Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia. Matthew Demlein with Virginia State Police emphasized the widespread nature of the issue.
“If you’re seeing it -- doesn’t matter where you are in Virginia, it can be Southwest Virginia, here, Hampton Roads, Northern Virginia,” Demlein said.
Police are urging residents not to take matters into their own hands. While state law prohibits drones from flying within 50 feet of residences, shooting them down is illegal.
“If you have a drone flying in a residential area that is acting unlawfully, report that to your local law enforcement,” Demlein emphasized. "The military installations, airports, things along those lines. If you’re seeing something like that, that’s when you want to report it.”
Virginia is not alone in addressing this issue. State Police are working with agencies nationwide, including the FBI in New Jersey, which has received thousands of drone-related tips in the past few weeks.
Demlein underscored the importance of staying proactive.
“If you’re seeing something, say something," Demlein said "In this case, if you see a drone acting suspiciously, please report it to us.”
The Virginia Fusion Center’s Shield Program has classified drones as a significant security threat, indicating they are taking these reports seriously:
UAVs have become increasingly affordable, accessible, and capable, offering unprecedented opportunities for innovation and efficiency. However, these same attributes also make UAVs a growing concern for public safety, national security, and critical infrastructure.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), along with other global regulatory bodies, have introduced measures such as Remote Identification (Remote ID) and UAV registration to mitigate these risks. Despite these efforts, the evolving capabilities of UAVs and their increasing use by non-state actors, terrorists, and criminal organizations underscore the urgency of addressing these threats comprehensively. The Virginia Fusion Center Shield Program
On Wednesday, the Federal Aviation Administration issued a partial ban on drone flights in New Jersey due to heightened activity, but police say there are no plans yet for similar restrictions in Virginia.
Residents are encouraged to report suspicious drone activity directly to the Virginia Fusion Center at vfc@vfc.vsp.virginia.gov or through their website.
