[ad_1]
Riverside Police will use new high-tech drones on July 4th to step up illegal fireworks enforcement.
According to the Riverside Police Department, drones with night vision, flare technology and 200x zoom capabilities can detect fireworks in lights day and night, day and night.
“If we receive a complaint, we can mark the location on the map on the drone, respond accurately to that location, and record or carry out the evidence necessary for the case,” Det. Cole Tugle said.
New technology has said Riverside police can fly around the scene within minutes.
“Previously, units had to go through town and see the fireworks in the sky and respond to the area,” Tugle said.
Police say the drones are coming from the city’s $86,000 allocation for technology and training to enhance illegal firework enforcement.
“They’re eager to see the situation,” said Ray Mendoza, Riverside arson investigation superintendent.
According to Gavin Newsom’s office, more than £600,000 illegal fireworks have been confiscated in California so far, up about 108% from the 288,000 fireworks seized by Cal Fire in 2024.
The average annual average for the past decade is approximately 240,000 people per year for illegal fireworks.
Police said they saw a decline in illegal fireworks across Riverside since they began surveillance with new drones.
Homeowners who are found to have illegal fireworks could face a fine of up to $50,000, not just for a year.
[ad_2]Source link
