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Message From Town Leaders

Message from Councilman Roshan (Roc) White | December 20, 2024

What appears to be a sudden increase in the number of drones in the airspace over Scotch Plains necessitates a clear understanding of how and when to report what we see. 

Since the beginning of the month, law enforcement throughout New Jersey has been inundated with thousands of reports of people seeing colorful drones flying in the night sky. There have also been similar reports in neighboring states.

Our local law enforcement is working closely with the FBI, New Jersey State Police,and the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness to monitor and investigate this strange activity, fueling mass speculation and frustration.

Union County officials have assured us there is no known threat to public safety. Yet it is important to continue to report any suspicious objects flying above.  

Both the FBI and New Jersey State Police have encouraged residents to report any information related to recent sightings of possible drones.  They also urge us not to approach or attempt to interfere with a drone.

To report information, you can:

  • Call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324)
  • Submit it online at tips.fbi.gov. Citizens can also upload videos directly through the FBI’s online portal.

Before contacting any authority, it is paramount to gather as much information about the drone as possible. This includes:

  • Time and Date: Note the precise time and date of the sighting, including the day, month, and year.
  • Location: Pinpoint the location with the utmost accuracy. Use street addresses, landmarks, GPS coordinates, or even a rough estimate of the area.
  • Description of the Drone: 
    • Appearance: Color, size, shape, any visible markings or logos.
    • Movement: Altitude, speed, direction of flight, any unusual maneuvers such as rapid ascents or descents, erratic flight paths, or prolonged hovering.
    • Behavior: Did it appear to be flying near people or property, appearing to inspect something, or exhibiting any other unusual behavior?
  • Photos or Videos: If you captured any images or videos of the drone, this will serve as invaluable evidence.
  • Your Contact Information: Include your name, phone number, and email address.

In filing a report, authorities will ask for a clear and concise description of the drone and the situation. We also assume this hotline is especially busy these days, so it may take some time for authorities to investigate your report.

For more information about drones, also known as Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), please visit the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness website: NJOHSP   

Responsible reporting contributes to a safer airspace for all and helps law enforcement get to the bottom of this odd, ongoing issue.

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