Virginia State Police says it’s investigating drones: This is still a story?

Virginia State Police put out a press release on Thursday on the non-story involving the drones, which, seriously, this is still a thing?

“We encourage anyone that witnesses a drone flying over critical infrastructure, such as energy installations, or military sites, to contact the Virginia Fusion Center. This will enable us to work with our partners to determine exactly what is occurring, and how to move forward,” said Virginia State Police Special Agent D. Robinson.

This Virginia Fusion Center, according to the presser, has received more than 150 tips regarding drone activity.

Law enforcement is encouraging you to contact the Virginia Fusion Center at [email protected] if you see drones acting suspiciously.

A neighbor has been flying a drone up and down the block a couple of nights a week for years now.

I’ve never not been suspicious of whatever it is he’s doing.

Quick facts about drones

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• State law does prohibit flying drones within 50 feet of a residence, unless the person is authorized by the federal government to operate and is doing so lawfully and consistent with federal regulations.
• Drones are required to remain in sight of either the operator or a visual observer and have a maximum allowable altitude of 400 feet unless waived by federal regulators.
• Operators are required to have a remote pilot certificate for recreational use or a license from the FAA for commercial use.
• It is against the law to shoot at a drone.

More information

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• The Virginia Fusion Center Shield Program has released additional information on drones available at All Sectors Bulletin – UAV Assessment.
• All information bulletins distributed by the VFC Shield are public and are intended to be shared. The public is encouraged to sign up for this free outreach program by visiting fusion.vsp.virginia.gov/shield.
• You can learn more about the rules and regulations at Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) | Federal Aviation Administration.