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Buzz Over Recent Drone Sightings Prompts Police Response In Maryland

The recent rash of drone sightings up and down the East Coast has not reached parts of Maryland, though concern is still on the rise for some, prompting some police agencies to proactively reach out to their communities.

Residents across the East Coast are noticing drones in the sky.

Residents across the East Coast are noticing drones in the sky.

Photo Credit: Daily Voice photo

On Thursday, the Montgomery County Department of Police issued a fresh alert addressing the reports of suspicious unmanned aircraft sightings that have made national headlines.

Although the department is not currently investigating any drone-related incidents in the county, authorities released a statement reminding residents about their active drone program and emphasizing public safety.

Montgomery County Police operate drones as part of their "Drone as First Responder" program from three key locations: downtown Silver Spring, downtown Wheaton Glenmont, and Gaithersburg, they noted. 

Those drones are deployed for only operational purposes, including responding to certain calls such as missing persons cases, though residents were advised that police drones are generally accompanied by a noticeable ground presence.

Additionally, a significant portion of Montgomery County falls within the Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ), a 15-mile radius around Washington, DC, they noted, where drone activity is heavily regulated, and unauthorized flights are rare, although residents may still see helicopters or other aircraft.

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