Drone detection operations lag

 Fox News:

As drone sightings over New Jersey continue to raise questions, a new tool could bring answers about the source of these flying vehicles — if the government could get it off the ground.

Earlier this year, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) began requiring all unmanned aircraft systems to be equipped with Remote ID technology, which makes every equipped drone uniquely identifiable to authorities, like a license plate on a car.

The FAA announced that it would provide a database that could be accessed by local law enforcement, but nearly one year later, local authorities still can't get into it themselves.
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According to a report published in June by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the FAA has not yet provided a way for law enforcement agencies to use Remote ID technology to respond to a potential threat or investigate suspicious drone activity.

A representative from New Jersey’s Belleville Police Department confirmed to Fox News Digital that its officers do not have access to the FAA’s Remote ID database as the state is dealing with dozens of reported drone sightings and growing public concern about the government's inability to provide answers.

The East Brunswick Police Department also confirmed to Fox News Digital that it was "unaware of any of the FAA databases available for Remote ID."
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It looks like it will be up to the Trump administration to get the resources to law enforcement to track the drones.  It is becoming more important as apparently unknown people are flying them over the US.  As it is drones could become a threat to US assets both civilian and military. 

See also:

Coast Guard Member's Spicy Response: Why WH Isn't Telling Truth About His Vessel's Encounter With Drones

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 The Coast Guard member spoke exclusively to the NY Post and described what they saw. He said they were looking for drones, but the drones "found us." He said there were possibly as many as 30. 

The drones “appeared out of nowhere” at about 9 p.m., and followed the boat for approximately 15 minutes, he said. When the vessel shifted course, so too did the drones.

“I’m terrible with measurements, but [the swarm] was about 80 to 100 feet above us. They had four propellers. Seven feet across. The flashing lights, like you’ve seen. The festive green, red, and white lights.”

He said the drones kept pace with the boat at about 20 miles per hour. 

The drones then reportedly climbed 100 feet higher, turned toward shore, and went out of sight.

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