Watchung Mayor Attends Drone Activity Meeting With NJ Officials

WATCHUNG, NJ — Mayor Ronald Jubin, Ph.D., has released the following statement on drone sightings in Watchung and across New Jersey.

My Fellow Watchung Residents,

The recent drone sightings across NJ and including here in Watchung have become increasingly concerning to all of us. This is an evolving complex matter escalating the involvement of the highest levels of our government in addition to widespread speculations in the media. I recently attended a Mayors Briefing held by our NJ State Police and Department of Homeland Security that provided very little useful information regarding the identity and locations of these drones. It was clearly stated that these are not US law enforcement or military groups and technological and legal challenges are limiting the opportunity to determine their ownership and point of origin.

Disappointing and frustrating to me and I am sure for all of you as well.

I wanted to speak directly and to let all of you know my focus is specifically set on Watchung. Our Police Department and Office of Emergency Management are coordinating with the County, State and Federal government agencies including the FBI and Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

So, what are we to do? Please report any suspicious drone activities to the Watchung PD directly or the NJOHSP Counter-Threat Watch Unit at 866-4-SAFE-NJ (1-866-472-3365). You may also contact the FBI at 1-800-225-5324 or online at tips.fbi.gov. They have asked not to call 911 unless an emergency exists (including a drone landing or crash). If you observe that, do NOT approach the craft, and call 911 immediately. Additionally, I had a flyer posted yesterday in our website and social media pages that contains a great deal of information and I would recommend all residents take a few minutes to read (Watchung, NJ - Homeland Security: Unmanned Aircraft Systems Legal Authorities).

In closing, I want to thank PD Chief Anderle, Captain Zaiton and our OEM coordinator Carolyn Solon for our close communications dedicated to keeping me informed on the latest developments so I may provide you, our residents, the latest confirmed information regarding the ongoing drone activities.