Rathdrum police chief says state grant freeze will limit targeted patrols; offers guidance on drones

Rathdrum Police Chief Brandon told the council that a freeze of grant funding through the Office of Highway Safety will limit the department’s ability to place officers on targeted emphasis patrols for the next few months.

"The freeze on the grant funding through the Office of Highway Safety will impact our ability to... targeted emphasis patrols. This for the next few months, at least, is what Idaho has told us," Brandon said. He said the department will continue routine patrols but cannot rely on grant funds to pay for additional targeted patrols until the freeze is resolved.

During the report, Brandon also answered questions about drone complaints. He advised callers that flying a drone over property is generally legal because property owners do not own all the airspace above their land, but certain drone operations can be unlawful. "Looking at somebody's window is totally illegal, but flying a drone over somebody's property is legal," he said. He added that pilots must comply with Federal Aviation Administration rules (no flying over people without waiver, no night flying without exception, requirement for a visual observer in some operations) and that local officers would investigate if other violations are found.

Brandon also noted that the department is planning community events, including a third annual community night out in June, and reported that recent weekends had seen increased call volume as the weather warms.

The chief recommended residents use the department nonemergency number for drone complaints unless they believe the drone operation involves a criminal act or a threat to safety.