Drones, Deception, and Detection: The High-Stakes Game of Modern Law Enforcement
In March 2025, the National Public Safety UAS Conference in Busch Gardens, VA, became the stage for a gripping discussion on one of the most perplexing challenges facing law enforcement today: the rise of drone incursions. Sponsored by DRONERESPONDERS, the event brought together top experts to dissect the infamous New Jersey drone crisis—a saga that tested the limits of technology, collaboration, and public perception.
The New Jersey Drone Frenzy: A Case Study in Chaos
What began as a series of alarming drone sightings across New Jersey quickly escalated into a full-blown crisis. Reports of unauthorized drones buzzing over sensitive locations like Picatinny Arsenal and Trump National Golf Course sent shockwaves through law enforcement agencies. But as the dust settled, a startling revelation emerged: most of these sightings were misidentifications of manned aircraft. The frenzy, however, had already consumed vast resources and sparked a nationwide conversation about drone security.
Michael Ward of the New Jersey State Police, alongside DJ Smith from the Virginia State Police and Sgt. Brett McCormick, emphasized the critical role of interagency collaboration. “The airspace is too vast for any single agency to manage alone,” McCormick noted. “You need partnerships—federal, state, and local—to tackle these challenges effectively.”
Technology’s Double-Edged Sword: Remote ID and Geofencing
One of the key takeaways from the conference was the evolving role of technology in drone detection and regulation. Remote ID, a system designed to track drones in real time, was hailed as a potential game-changer. However, as DJ Smith pointed out, it comes with limitations. “Remote ID provides valuable data, but it lacks personally identifiable information, which complicates enforcement efforts,” he explained.
Meanwhile, geofencing—a technology that restricts drones from entering no-fly zones—has proven less effective than hoped. During the Super Bowl parade in New Jersey, over 120 drone incursions occurred despite strict Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs). Changes in DJI’s geofencing policies have only added to the complexity, leaving authorities scrambling for better solutions.
Lessons Learned: Refining Intelligence and Public Perception
The 11-week investigation into the New Jersey drone sightings revealed a sobering truth: the vast majority of reports were false alarms. Heat mapping of the sightings showed significant overlap with manned aircraft flight paths, further supporting the theory of widespread misidentification. “Data can’t play telephone as it moves through different levels of law enforcement,” one panelist warned. “Misinterpretation at any stage can lead to unnecessary panic.”
Despite deploying advanced counter-UAS assets, authorities were unable to confirm the presence of rogue drones. The incident underscored the need for improved intelligence-gathering processes, public education, and enhanced coordination among agencies. As the drone industry continues to grow, so too must the tools and strategies used to manage it.
