Kennewick Police Investigate Drone Complaints – Officers See Aircraft Last Weekend

Kennewick police are looking at a  series of complaints over a drone seeing flying about parts of town.

At least four different homes in the 10th and Union area have reported seeing the unmanned aircraft, reportedly taking video and performing surveillance.   Some of the people who complained said the drone was recording people in their yards and through windows.

Mike Blatman of the Kennewick police department says this isn't the first time they've had such complaints, and officers themselves actually saw the unit last Friday and Saturday.

Based upon what the aircraft is doing, and where it's flying, it's probably performing illegal activities.   Until Congress unveils specific regulations for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV's)  and/or drones, the only legal use for them is by farmers on their own property.  Law enforcement can apply for use, but the public has to be informed, and government agencies and research companies can apply for permits to use them.

Such agencies and firms have to get approval, which also includes notifying local law enforcement so that when situations like this arise, police know what's going on.

It's currently illegal to use a drone or UAV for commercial or promotional purposes.

Not all UAV's are considered drones;  drones are usually larger units utilized by the military and other such groups.    Radio Controlled Aircraft enthusiasts also stress there's a difference between what they fly and the UAV's. RAC fliers usually pilot machines that look like airplanes or smaller versions of recognizable helicopters - and their flights usually take place in designated RAC flight areas outside of town.

Although no specific details were released about what this drone or UAV looks like,  most such vehicles are small helicopter-type units,  often with multiple horizontal propellers.

While Kennewick police say they may have a suspect,  no arrests have been made.