Tip Line Lets California Residents Report Irresponsible Drone Pilots
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — After more than a dozen instances of firefighting operations being slowed by drones in the air, California is giving the public a chance to report irresponsible drone users.
"It's much like a crime tip line where if you know something about a crime that has occurred or have information that might help investigators, same thing except this applies to people who are irresponsibly operating drones," said Kelly Huston.
The deputy director of the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services says a statewide number was activated this week where tipsters can leave valuable information for investigators.
"This is an avenue to focus on that small section of hobby drone owners that are intentionally flying their drones in a way in which it either endangers emergency operation or it puts these first responders in harm's way," she said.
Investigators say they need the public's help to find a needle in a haystack.
"We've had cases where drones are spotted by pilots but the problem is they could be in forested areas or other areas where it's really hard to track who's flying the drone," she said.
Photographer Jeff Hall likes the idea of more eyes in the sky to put a stop to those putting others in harm's way.
"It's a no-brainer," he said. "I don't want people like that giving people like us a bad name and having it used for what it shouldn't be, when there are so many great purposes for it."
The number is 1-844-DRONE11, and tipsters can remain anonymous.