CONNECTICUT, USA — The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) says most of the reported drone activity in the state has been explained by manned aircraft or legally operating private drones, but they are still investigating all reports of mysterious flying objects.
The agency says they, along with the Connecticut Intelligence Center (CTIC), are closely monitoring multiple reports of "large drone, or Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), sightings across Connecticut in recent days."
According to a spokesperson from DESPP, sightings made by Connecticut State Police monitoring systems are now being handled "through a detailed reporting process to collect as much information as possible." By comparing that data to the Federal Aviation Administration's flight data, they have determined that most of the sightings can be explained away as either expected manned aircraft or private drone pilots operating legally.
“We take all reports of suspicious drone activity seriously,” said Commissioner Ronnell A. Higgins on Monday. “To ensure the continued safety of all Connecticut residents, DESPP is working closely with local, state, and federal partners, including the Transportation Safety Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.’’
DESPP notes that they have no authority to take down a drone and that drone operators must still operate within the law. Commercially available drones cannot be flown higher than 400 feet and operators must maintain line of sight. Commercial use of a drone requires a Part 107 federal license.
The update comes days after Connecticut State Police said they were looking into reports of large drone activity over the state.
Residents of several Northeastern states, particularly New Jersey, have noted an increase in this type of sighting. The White House and other federal authorities have largely dismissed the reports as manned aircraft and say they do not believe they pose a threat to U.S. National Security.
Many lawmakers, including Sen. Richard Blumenthal, have criticized the federal government's handling of the sightings.
If you have a sighting you wish to report to the DESPP, you can do so here or by calling 866-HLS-TIPS.
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