DERIDDER, La. – Drones are gaining popularity among law enforcement, businesses, and hobbyists, but there are strict rules governing where they can be flown.
Despite the seemingly boundless sky, recent concerns were raised when a social media post alleged a person flew a drone onto private property in Beauregard Parish, seemingly peering through windows. This incident prompts the question – what are the regulations for drone flights?
In reality, there exists an extensive set of rules and safety regulations governing drone operations.
“It’s either written or verbal permission,” explained Deputy Chief Darren Hall of the DeRidder Police Department. “If I want to fly over the neighbor’s house, they better have given me permission.”
Numerous Louisiana laws, encompassing video voyeurism, trespassing, and invasions of privacy, specifically address drone-related activities. Deputy Chief Hall noted that criminal trespass related to drone usage is likely to be the most common complaint, potentially resulting in citations or more severe consequences if a complaint is filed.
“There is not a lot you can do unless you see the drone and where it comes from, or unless they know where it comes from and the residence where it landed,” Hall stated. “We can go talk to them and find out what they’re doing.”
The DeRidder Police Department, along with the Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office and the DeRidder Fire Department, has invested in drone technology. Drones were utilized in various situations, including responding to a bomb threat in November and assisting in locating a missing person last month.
“Missing persons, violent criminals who run off, and I think that’s the best thing we can use them for,” Hall explained.
Even law enforcement is bound by regulations when employing drones.
“We have to have a search warrant, permission from the owner, or an extenuating circumstance of a bad guy, and we need to find him now,” Hall emphasized.
Regarding the incident in Beauregard Parish, Sheriff Mark Herford confirmed they addressed a complaint involving a drone, leading to the issuance of a citation. Law enforcement authorities strongly discourage attempting to shoot down a drone, as it is illegal. Instead, they urge the public to report such incidents.