Ripley County Sheriff shares letter they've received
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(VERSAILLES, Ind.) – The Ripley County Sheriff’s Office is sharing what they’ve received so far regarding the reported drone sightings in the region.
The sheriff’s office received a letter from the Indiana Sheriff’s Association which comes from the Department of Homeland Security.
There have been more than 5,000 reported drone sightings nationwide and federal officials say they do not believe there is a national security threat.
They have sent advanced detection technology and trained visual observers to certain areas of the country.
“Having closely examined the technical data and tips from concerned citizens, we assess that the sightings to date include a combination of lawful commercial drones, hobbyist drones, and law enforcement drones, as well as manned fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and stars mistakenly reported as drones,” the letter read.
Federal officials say they recognize the concerns civilians have and are urging Congress to pass legislation that gives authorities more ability to identify and mitigate threats that emerge.
On Sunday night, there were multiple reports of what appeared to be mysterious floating lights in Southeast Indiana. Drone activity also forced Wright Patterson Air Force Base to close its airspace for several hours Friday.