Over a million people are expected to turn-out for the 126th Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game on Jan.1.
And it’s almost certain some of these folks plan to use their state-of-the-art aerial surveillance drones to get a bird’s eye view of the most famous parade in the U.S.A. and probably the world.
Pasadena Police Chief Phillip Sanchez has just one piece of advice for those that want to fly aerial drones at the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl: “Don’t!â€
Sanchez reminded everyone at a press briefing that an Federal Aviation Administration-declared “No Fly Zone†for drones or remote controlled aircraft will be enforced 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Jan. 1 along the parade route and at the stadium.
The Pasadena Police Department will locate owners of the drones, inform them of the FAA ruling and require them to stow the drones in their vehicles. Any drone operator who doesn’t comply may find their drones being impounded.
“We are asking our parade goers not to bring commercial drones or recreational drones to the Rose Parade,†Sanchez said. “It is a permitted event and what I mean by that is that the Tournament of Roses has secured permits for the parade route. Drones will not be allowed.â€
Addressing security concerns, Sanchez emphasized that the Pasadena police are “well-prepared for spontaneous events or other unusual occurrences.â€
“We will have overt and covert resources up and down the parade route but again, we would ask that our parade goers help us in creating a very comprehensive security plan and strategy.â€
He asked people to do their part in making sure the ever-popular Rose Parade takes place peacefully. He reminded everyone that “If you see something, say something.â€
“We’re asking that our parade goers and our fans at the Rose Bowl that if you see something suspicious, please alert a Pasadena Police officer or a parade representative, or you can call the Pasadena Police Department at (626) 744-4241.”
“We’re really trying to harness the awareness of our parade goers so that we can collectively create concentric circles of security at the parade.â€