Riverside Police Use Drones to Spot Illegal Fireworks Violators, Doubling Citations on July 4th

Riverside police issued over 60 citations for illegal fireworks use on July 4, more than doubling the number from last year’s holiday, by deploying drones for aerial monitoring. This method provides immediate video evidence, making enforcement more effective than ground patrols, according to an ABC 7 news report.

Drone Deployment in Holiday Patrols

Police operated five drones over Riverside on July 4th to detect residents launching illegal fireworks. The technology allows operators to capture footage that identifies violation locations almost instantly.

Officer Ryan Railsback explained the advantage: “It’s video evidence, that’s the main thing.” Before a recent city council change to the law, officers needed to visually see the act in person, which proved difficult from the ground level. Drones overcome this by offering quick aerial perspectives.

The drones spotted hundreds of incidents, many on private properties. Authorities sent citations by certified mail to property owners, with fines of $1,500 for allowing illegal fireworks on their land. This approach avoids immediate confrontations and streamlines the process.

Public Safety and Risk Reduction

No serious injuries occurred in the fireworks in Riverside this July Fourth, though illegal fireworks likely sparked two small fires. Firefighters put out both fires before they caused major damage.

Railsback stressed the hazards: “It’s just completely dangerous.” He added, “We’re not even talking about how it triggers PTSD, and how it’s making pets go completely berserk- but just the fire danger and the injury danger.”

Drones reduce risks to officers by allowing remote observation, keeping them away from potentially chaotic scenes. This aligns with growing law enforcement practices that integrate unmanned aerial systems for event oversight.

Industry Trends and Future Applications

Law enforcement agencies across the U.S. turn to drones for tasks like fireworks enforcement to enhance operational efficiency. In Riverside, the city council’s legal update enables citations based on drone footage, setting an example for other areas facing similar issues. This shift supports faster identification and evidence gathering, potentially leading to fewer violations over time as deterrence grows.

The economic side includes the $1,500 penalties, which aim to offset enforcement costs and discourage illegal activity. Regulatory changes like Riverside’s ordinance reflect broader adaptations to drone capabilities, balancing technology with community protection. As drone tech advances, such uses could expand to other public safety areas, offering drone professionals new opportunities in police collaborations.

This case shows how drones transform traditional policing methods, providing clear benefits in visibility and response time while addressing fire and injury threats during holidays.

Photos courtesy of Riverside Police Department / ABC 7 News