On Saturday in Seaside Heights, New Jersey, there were drones that residents would probably be happy to see.
They are part of a new patrol unit within the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office. In their command center, officers monitored drone activity and placed their own drones in the air to get a closer look mysterious flying objects.
It comes amid reports of drone sightings in the area, including a deputy witness who saw dozens of drones flying in from the ocean.
“She reports seeing 50 drones coming from the ocean onto the mainland, right through the airways above Island Beach State Park,” said Sheriff Michael Mastronardy of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office.
The Seaside Heights command center was also the site of a news conference where New Jersey Congressman Chris Smith unveiled new federal legislation he plans to introduce in Congress.
“More than anything, it will allow state police to have the same capability as the Department of Defense and Homeland Security to shoot down one of these unmanned drones, if necessary,” Smith said.
CBS Philadelphia
Several drone sightings have been reported New Jersey, PA and four other states since mid-November.
Many of them were seen above homes, highways and even military bases.
The White House has stated that the drones do not appear to pose a threat to public safety or national security. That response frustrates officials who demand answers.
“These issues are very, very concerning and the federal government’s response is very, very insulting,” said John Peterson Jr., mayor of the Borough of Seaside Park.
Officials say the lack of information is causing fear among residents, with many concerned about the potential safety risk.
“This affects our citizens every day, every night and it must stop,” said Ocean County Commissioner Frank Sadeghi.
New Jersey officials are also calling on the federal government for help, saying it’s clear more resources are needed to fully understand the issue.
