Bill would help state monitor drone activity
By: Amanda Wallace
NorthJersey.com
USA Today Network - New Jersey
..... In the midst of mysterious drone sightings that have blanketed New Jersey in recent weeks, Representative Josh Gottheimer has introduced federal legislation to allow state and local law enforcement to monitor and be "regularly on to of" drone use in the future.
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"While advancements in technology have made life easier and drones specifically have been great in capturing the amazing views of our beaches here in Jersey, for example, that same advancement could be leveraged by those with bad intentions to dangerous effects," Gottheimer said at a pres conference Tuesday [12/10/2024] morning.
..... The mysterious drone sightings, which began just before Thanksgiving, have since been reported in several North Jersey counties.
..... Photos, videos and reported sightings of the suspected drones have been circulating on social media in recent weeks, leading may to question what exactly New Jersey residents are seeing in the sky. Governor Phil Murphy said there were 49 purported drone sightings on Sunday, [12/08/2024] 20 of them in Hunterdon County. However, he acknowledged that the sightings likely were overstated, as some were probably airplanes or were counted twice.
..... Gottheimer, who is running for New Jersey governor, announced the introduction of legislation that aims to expand federal grants for local law enforcement in order to make radar systems more available, allowing them to monitor drone activity and "ensure that only the drone activity and "ensure that only the drones that should be in the air are."
..... "This technology will equip our law enforcement, who are the best in the world, with the resources they need to identify how many drones are out there, where they're coming from and where
they're going," Gottheimer said.
..... Previously, he led the introduction of the bipartisan Drone act, which aims to 'cerate comprehensive federal criminal law prohibiting the most dangerous uses of drones in the United states." For example, the drone Act will prohibit the attaching of a weapon to a drone and establish a prison sentence for interfering with emergency-response activity with a drone, among other things.
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Also, he co-sponsored the Safeguarding the Homeland from the Threats Posed by unmanned Aircraft Systems Act, which "strengthens the authority of federal, state and local law enforcement to respond to security threats posed by drones," Gottheimer said.
Seeking transparency
..... Gottheimer and other legislators have joined the call for transparency and information from the federal government concerning the recent drown sightings.
..... "Based on the information I have in the briefing I've received to date, I'm not concerned abut any imminent threats to pubic safety regarding these drones," Gottheimer said during the press conference. "That said, I understand why lots of people in New Jersey are concerned. They would like more information. There's been not enough information disclosed to the public from federal law enforcement officials and the agencies who are chiefly responsible for monitoring drone activity."
..... Gottheimer's statement echoes those of other elected officials such as Representative Tom Ken Jr., who issued a statement Monday. [12/09/2024]
..... "The safety and privacy of our residents must be a top priority, and right now for the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Aviation Administration, and other appropriate federal investigate and address this escalating depth public briefing form authorities should take place immediately."
..... Also on Monday, [12/09/2024] sate Senator Parker Space, Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia and Assemblyman Mike Inganamot issued a joint statement calling on Murphy and federal authorities to be "more forthcoming with details on these occurrences to help allay the public's concern."
..... In recent days, ;lawmakers and local mayors have demanded both actions and answers from the federal government and Murphy concerning the sightings.
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In his most recent briefing on Monday, [12/09/2024] Murphy aid he "doesn't blame" people for their frustration over the lack of answers. Though he said there has been "good cooperation out of the feds," he, too, is pleading fro more.
.....The governor said he does not see any concern for public safety at the moment, but he added that "it's really frustrating that we don't have more answers as to where they're coming from and why they're doing what they're doing."
..... Gottheimer said at Tuesday's [12/10/2024] press conference: "I'm asking federal law enforcement to brief the residents and families of New Jersey so they can address any concerns they have. We can never play it too safe, as you know, when it comes to fighting to protect Jersey families, especially form new technologies that have great potential, but also compose risks. That's why I think it's critically important that we get this information out there."
What to do if you see drones
..... The FBI, New Jersey State Police and the state Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness are asking the public to report any information related to the recent sightings of possible drones by calling 800-225-5324 or submitting tips and video footage Online at tips.fbi.gov/home .