Feds crack down on illegal drones outside popular MLB ballpark

The FBI and the Federal Aviation Administration are leading an effort to tamp down illegal drone use around Coors Field in Denver, Colorado.

On Thursday, the FBI, the FAA and the Denver Police Department released a reminder to the public about the illegal use of drones and the potential dangers they could pose for the public in busy metropolitan areas.

Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies, is located in the heart of downtown Denver. According to authorities, during the team’s first home series of the season, more than a half-dozen drone operators were identified as having violated local and federal regulations regarding unmanned drone use and were referred to the FAA for a potential criminal investigation.

According to a news release from the FAA, the federal government has strengthened its anti-drone regulations and is focused on strict enforcing of existing rules. Any drone that “poses a danger to the public, operates in restricted airspace, or is used in furtherance of a crime will trigger mandatory enforcement action,” officials said.

The potential penalties for violating federal regulations regarding drone use includes confiscation, loss of pilot certificates and potential civil fines of up to $750,000 for each violation. Local and federal authorities could also present criminal charges which could result into fines of up to $100,000 and a year in federal prison.

“Airspace within 3 miles of Coors Field or Empower Field [home of the Denver Broncos] is restricted one hour before and one hour after an MLB or NFL event,” the FAA stated in a news release. “Temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) can also be in place for other large events at these venues.”

Federal authorities added that flying drones in violation of these temporary flight restrictions is “illegal and dangerous.”

How will authorities crack down on illegal drones?

There are several ways for authorities to identify and locate illegal drone operators, the FAA said.

The “SAFER SKIES” act allows for the use of various “counter-drone tools” to detect illegal drone activity deemed to be a potential threat to the public, particularly around popular gathering spots like sports stadiums and concert venues. The law allows for local, state and federal agencies to track, disable or even destroy drones that are in violation of temporary flight restrictions.

“Personnel are in place at event venues with trained state and local partners like the Denver Police Department,” the FAA added.

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Drone operators are encouraged to check active flight restrictions using a B4UFLY (Before You Fly) service provider that is approved by the FAA. The tools provide realtime or near-realtime information on restricted airspace.

Most drones flying in U.S. airspace are also required to broadcast a remote ID; failure to broadcast or disabling the remote ID could result in hefty penalties.

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The FBI encourages anyone who is at a major event and sees unsafe or unauthorized drone activity to immediately call 911, local law enforcement or the FBI tipline at 1-900-225-5352. Tips to the FBI can also be submitted online.

“Our priority is the safety and security of every participant, employee and fan. Drone operators who follow the rules can help us meet that goal,” the FAA concluded in its enforcement bulletin.

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The Colorado Rockies ended up losing their home opener against the Philadelphia Phillies by a score of 10-1. The team has since won 4 of its last 5 home games this season.

Last season, the team finished the season with an abysmal 43-119 record—the lowest in Major League Baseball and 17 fewer wins than the second-worst team in the sport.