Recently, there has been a surge in news reports about suspicious drone sightings across the country, especially in the Northeast. As of December 16, drones have been spotted over and in at least six states, including New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Ohio. These sightings are leaving many people curious—and sometimes concerned—about what might be flying overhead. Drones are everywhere these days, used by hobbyists, law enforcement, and even military organizations, so it’s more important than ever to know how to tell the difference. Staying aware of your surroundings is a key part of staying safe, and understanding what kind of drone you’re seeing can help you make informed decisions. If you spot something suspicious, remember: “See something, say something.”
You can always report your observations to local law enforcement rather than taking matters into your own hands. For the safety of others and yourself, do not attempt to interfere with or shoot down a drone. I am going to say this again, please do not attempt to shoot down a drone. There have been way too many videos of people trying to take matters into their own hands, and not considering that those rounds need to eventually land somewhere.
7 Clues to the Suspicious Drone in the Sky
Identifying whether a drone is military, law enforcement, or personally owned can be challenging, but several characteristics and context clues can help you discern its type. Here’s a breakdown to guide you.
1. Size and Appearance
- Military Drones:
- Often significantly larger and more robust compared to consumer drones.
- May resemble fixed-wing aircraft (like the MQ-9 Reaper) or advanced quadcopters with heavier payloads.
- Often painted in matte gray or camouflage colors to reduce visibility.
- High-tech features like radar domes, weapons systems, or surveillance equipment may be visible.
- Law Enforcement Drones:
- Typically mid-sized and equipped with visible cameras, searchlights, or loudspeakers.
- Usually quadcopters or hexacopters (like the DJI Matrice series).
- May carry police insignia or identifiable markings but not always visible from the ground.
- Personally Owned Drones:
- Generally smaller, lighter, and more compact (like DJI Mini, Mavic, or FPV drones).
- Often brightly colored, consumer-branded (e.g., DJI, Autel, Parrot), or custom-painted.
- Propellers and LED lights are standard; some users may modify these for racing or photography.
2. Altitude and Flight Behavior
- Military Drones:
- Operate at higher altitudes, often out of sight (above 10,000+ feet for surveillance drones).
- Exhibit long, steady, and systematic flight patterns or loiter over specific areas for extended periods.
- Rarely make quick or acrobatic movements.
- Law Enforcement Drones:
- Hover at lower altitudes (e.g., under 400 feet) when surveilling or searching for targets.
- May move in deliberate, sweeping patterns over a defined area.
- Often deployed during emergencies, public events, or specific law enforcement operations.
- Personally Owned Drones:
- Operate at lower altitudes (commonly under 400 feet to comply with FAA rules).
- Fly more erratically or creatively (e.g., loops, sudden stops, or agile maneuvers typical of hobbyists).
- Often seen near residential areas, parks, or events for recreation or photography.
3. Equipment and Features
- Military Drones:
- Equipped with advanced surveillance tools, infrared/thermal imaging, radar systems, or weaponry.
- Little to no visible lights to maintain a covert presence.
- Limited or no audible noise from larger, fixed-wing drones flying at high altitudes.
- Law Enforcement Drones:
- Have high-resolution cameras, thermal imaging, spotlights, and loudspeakers for public announcements.
- May include flashing police-style lights (red/blue) for visibility during operations.
- Audible buzzing or whirring sounds when close to the ground.
- Personally Owned Drones:
- Typically carry consumer-grade cameras, gimbals, or sensors for photography and video.
- May have colorful LED lights for night flying, visibility, or aesthetics.
- Some drones are equipped for racing with FPV (First-Person View) goggles.
4. Location and Context
- Military Drones:
- Found near military installations, training grounds, or conflict zones.
- May be used for surveillance or reconnaissance in remote or restricted areas.
- Rarely visible in urban areas unless during a crisis or official operation.
- Law Enforcement Drones:
- Seen near crime scenes, accidents, search-and-rescue missions, or public events.
- Often deployed in cities, towns, or high-traffic areas where police activities occur.
- Personally Owned Drones:
- Frequently seen in parks, beaches, neighborhoods, or events where hobbyists operate.
- Users are often visible nearby with remote controllers, laptops, or smartphones.
5. Noise Levels
- Military Drones:
- High-altitude drones are nearly silent.
- Low-altitude tactical drones may produce a distinct hum but remain quieter compared to consumer drones.
- Law Enforcement Drones:
- Tend to produce noticeable buzzing from large rotors but are quieter than most consumer drones.
- Personally Owned Drones:
- Small consumer drones often produce high-pitched, audible buzzing sounds due to lightweight rotors.
6. Time of Operation
- Military Drones: Operate at any time but especially during covert hours (night).
- Law Enforcement Drones: Commonly deployed during emergencies, at public events, or at night for surveillance.
- Personally Owned Drones: Typically flown during daylight or early evening for recreation or photography.
7. Regulations and Visual Markings
- Military drones are not required to comply with FAA civilian drone visibility laws.
- Law enforcement drones might have FAA-registered markings but not always visible during operation.
- Personally owned drones in the U.S. are required to display FAA registration numbers.
Once again, please always exercise caution and avoid interfering with any drone operations, regardless of ownership. As drones become a bigger part of our skies, staying informed and vigilant is essential. Whether it’s a personal device flown by a hobbyist, a law enforcement tool, or a military asset, knowing the differences can help you remain aware of what’s happening in your community. If you see a drone that raises questions or concerns, trust your instincts, but always let the professionals handle it. Report any suspicious activity to local authorities and avoid taking dangerous actions that could harm others. Awareness, responsibility, and safety go hand in hand—so keep your eyes open and stay prepared.
