Orchard Park Police are warning drone operators to keep their aerial cameras at home for the Buffalo Bills home opener with the New York Jets - or the drones will be confiscated and the operators arrested.
The Town of Orchard Park has in place a drone law that regulates where and when drones can be flown near the stadium and open-air events with more than 200 people. Problem is, many people are not aware of the law which can land drone operators in trouble with both police and the FAA.
Orchard Park worked with the Buffalo Bills in coming up with the new law that went into effect in 2015. This year, the law was expanded prohibiting drone flights within 3 miles of New Era Field beginning 6 hours before an event and lasting until 6 hours afterwards.
Safety is the primary reason for the law because drones can fall out of the sky and injure people. However, drones can also be used by people with more sinister motives.
7 Eyewitness News Reporter Ed Reilly learned more about the law and drone regulations in talking with Orchard Park Police Chief Mark Pacholec.
