A new tool called Remote ID technology has been introduced by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to uniquely identify drones to authorities, similar to a license plate on a car. Despite this, the FAA has not provided a way for law enforcement agencies to access the Remote ID database, causing delays in investigating suspicious drone activity. The East Brunswick Police Department and Belleville Police Department in New Jersey confirmed that they do not have access to the database, leading to growing public concern about the government’s inability to provide answers. The FAA and Department of Homeland Security do not have a concrete timeline for rolling out Remote ID access for law enforcement, resulting in potential delays in accessing real-time data regarding drone activity.
Remote ID technology acts as a “digital license plate” by relaying a drone’s registration details, coordinates, and altitude via a broadcast signal. This signal can be accessed using radio waves, making it possible to track drones in areas with low internet connectivity. Currently, local authorities must go through the FAA Law Enforcement Assistance Program (LEAP) agent to request information about an incident involving a drone, which is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The GAO’s report expressed concerns about the timeliness of requests for real-time data in potential emergency situations, highlighting the need for improved access to Remote ID data for law enforcement.
The FAA has requested funding from the federal government to expand access to the Remote ID database for local law enforcement. The administration’s 2025 President’s Budget Submission includes $15.6 million for drone-related research and growth, with a focus on investigating drone activity. The FAA has acknowledged its inability to effectively handle requests for Remote ID data from local law enforcement through the LEAP program and is seeking additional resources to address this issue. The joint statement from the DHS, FBI, FAA, and Department of Defense confirmed that the recent drone sightings in New Jersey included a combination of lawful commercial drones, hobbyist drones, and law enforcement drones.
Numerous reports of drones of unusual size or build have been made by civilians, with some drones measuring up to 6 feet in diameter. Despite these reports, the federal government maintains that the drones are accounted for and being used lawfully. The FAA’s Part 107 rule permits drones to fly at night and requires them to remain within 400 feet of ground level. Operating a drone without Remote ID can result in criminal penalties of up to $250,000 and three years in jail, along with civil penalties of up to $27,500. The FBI has received over 5,000 tips of drone sightings in recent weeks, with fewer than 100 warranting further investigation. The authorities have reassured the public that there is no known malicious activity occurring in New Jersey related to the reported drone sightings.
The joint statement by the DHS and FBI recognizes the concerns raised by the reported drone sightings but emphasizes that no malicious activity or intent has been uncovered at this stage. While no national security or public safety risk has been identified in the civilian airspace of New Jersey, the reported sightings have highlighted the need for improved authorities to address drone-related incidents effectively. The federal government continues to investigate the origins of the drones spotted in New Jersey, and efforts are being made to ensure that all drone activity is in compliance with regulations. The introduction of Remote ID technology aims to improve the ability of authorities to track and identify drones for enhanced security and safety measures.
