FREEHOLD, N.J. — Monmouth County Sheriff Shawn Golden is urging Congress to expand legislation allowing state and local law enforcement agencies to utilize drone detection and counter-drone technology, citing concerns over growing security and public safety risks posed by unregulated drone activity.
Speaking on the issue, Sheriff Golden emphasized that only three federal agencies currently have the authority to use such equipment—leaving state and local police without the tools necessary to respond effectively. “We’re calling upon Congress, and Congressman [Chris] Smith is leading the way, to modify legislation so that not just three federal agencies are able to have drone detection and de-drone equipment,” Golden said.
The sheriff argued that granting this authority to state policing units nationwide is critical to protecting public safety, particularly in high-density areas or during large-scale events. The push comes as drone use continues to rise, presenting challenges for law enforcement tasked with preventing potentially hazardous or unlawful activity in the airspace.
Golden’s comments reflect a growing call from state and local agencies for more control over the skies, as federal regulations currently restrict their ability to deploy counter-drone technologies. Proponents say updated laws would allow law enforcement to respond more swiftly to unauthorized or dangerous drone use.
The effort, spearheaded by Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ), aims to modify existing federal legislation to equip local and state police with the tools needed to combat drone-related threats.