Recent changes to municipal code allow officers to cite property owners based solely on drone video evidence that positively identifies residents using fireworks. Property owners can receive multiple $1,500 citations, with violations potentially cited every 24 hours.
"We're a force multiplier, meaning that we can do more with less," said Sgt. Macias of the Riverside Police Department. "That frees up officers to go out and actually do other officer duties."
The program uses multiple models of retail DJI drones available at stores like Best Buy, with officers actively operating the devices to collect evidence. The drones are not autonomous surveillance systems.
Some models offer longer flight times and extended range for sustained operations, while more compact and durable versions can operate in tight spaces and even fly indoors when circumstances require.
"We're trying to limit that contact from officer to citizen, especially when they're intoxicated, partying, having a good time," Sgt. Macias said, explaining how the drones reduce dangerous confrontations during holiday celebrations.
The department expects new drones with advanced zoom capabilities before July 4, allowing officers to operate from greater distances. The improved cameras provide twice the zoom factor of current models.
"So we have twice the zoom on the new drones," Macias explained. "Which allows us to have that further standoff from the locations."
The enhanced zoom capabilities let officers launch drones from safer locations like fire stations or school parking lots rather than positioning in residential neighborhoods. Officers can station drones at specific locations for hours to provide ongoing security coverage.
The Riverside Fire Department and Riverside Police Department are collaborating on the enforcement program, which serves broader public safety functions beyond fireworks violations.
The drones offer tactical flexibility that extends beyond traditional patrol methods. "We can go and land it on, like, the corner of that building there and leave it there for hours for security," Detective Cole Tuggle said, describing surveillance capabilities that allow stationary monitoring from strategic positions.
The drones have already proven useful for emergency response. Tuggle used a drone to warn Mount Rubidoux neighborhood residents about a nearby fire, utilizing the aircraft's loudspeaker and spotlight capabilities. The drones can broadcast both live and pre-recorded public address messages, adding another layer to their public safety applications.
"This is completely reactive," Macias emphasized about the enforcement approach. Officers visually monitor areas after receiving complaints, then deploy drones to specific locations where violations are occurring.
All drone operators hold Federal Aviation Administration Part 107 licenses required for commercial drone operations, plus internal department certification for each drone model. Officers must complete night operations training to operate the devices during evening hours when most fireworks violations occur.
The enforcement strategy aims to deter future violations through the surprise element of receiving citations days after the illegal activity.
The city of Riverside prohibits all fireworks within city limits. Residents can attend the free “4th of July Spectacular” fireworks displays at La Sierra Park (5215 La Sierra Ave.) and Mount Rubidoux (Mt. Rubidoux Drive at Ninth Street) on July 4 at 9 p.m. More information is available at riversideca.gov.
Officials hope the combination of drone enforcement and legal alternatives will reduce illegal fireworks use while keeping officers safe during holiday celebrations.
