RICHMOND, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Virginia State Police’s Virginia Fusion Center is investigating 150 drone flying tips within the Commonwealth which VSP’s Matt Demlein says are being shared with key stakeholders. Demlein emphasizes that’s 150 tips… not necessarily 150 drones or reports on different drones sightings. The Virginia Fusion Center is within VSP’s Homeland Security Division, and certain suspicious drone activity near critical infrastructure or a military installation can be reported to them via email vfc@vfc.vsp.virginia.gov.

Demlein says the key to reporting to the Virginia Fusion Center, indeed, is a drone acting suspiciously and flying near critical infrastructure or near a military installation. He says federal law requires a 400-foot maximum altitude, and state law prohibits flying drones within 50-feet of a residence… unless there is federal government exception. Apparent violations of these provisions is a matter of reporting to your local law enforcement.

Drones are required to remain in sight of either the operator or a visual observer. Additionally, operators are required to have a remote pilot certificate for recreational use or a license from the FAA for commercial use. Demlein adds it’s against the law to shoot at drones.