The city of Riverside is deploying drones to monitor and curb illegal fireworks during the Fourth of July holiday. These drones, introduced this week, are equipped with advanced cameras that provide night vision and can magnify images up to 200 times. Riverside Police Chief Larry Gonzalez explained, “We can’t be everywhere at one time, but with the drone capabilities, it will enable us to get there safely, and get eyes on some of the problems going on every year on the Fourth of July” (ABC7).
The drones can record video evidence of illegal fireworks use, which law enforcement can use to cite property owners. Detective Cole Tuggle noted that the drones can pinpoint the exact location of fireworks activity using mapping software, even in the dark. “We have the ability, once we identify a location, to mark it,” Tuggle said, allowing police to gather necessary video footage for evidence (ABC7).
A new ordinance in Riverside allows law enforcement to cite property owners for illegal fireworks use, even without direct evidence of who used them. This social host ordinance aims to hold property owners accountable for all activities on their properties. Riverside Fire Department Captain Ray Mendoza emphasized the importance of this measure, stating, “With this social host ordinance, we can keep property owners responsible for all actions that are taking place on their properties” (OC Register).
The drones can fly several miles away from the controller, allowing rapid response to reports of illegal fireworks. They are part of a broader effort to prevent injuries and fires caused by fireworks. In Riverside, three people were injured in a fireworks explosion last year, and fireworks-related fires have caused significant damage in the past (Press Enterprise).
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