NJ Drones
| Submitted | Dec. 26, 2024 |
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Communications
From: Bill Gagnon
To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the New Jersey Open Public Records Act, I hereby request the following records:
All records related to aerial sightings reported in New Jersey during November and December 2024. These sightings, widely described as “mystery drones” or Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP), have been the subject of significant public interest and media coverage.
This request specifically seeks access to all records created, received, or modified between November 1, 2024, and the date of this request's fulfillment. To ensure the identification of all responsive materials, this request includes references to "mystery drones," "UAP," "unidentified flying objects (UFOs)," "unmanned aerial systems (UAS)," "unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)," "aerial anomalies," or any similar terminology used to describe these aerial sightings.
The requested records include, but are not limited to:
Audio and Video Files: All audio or video files received, recorded, or obtained by the department related to these sightings. This includes recordings made by departmental surveillance equipment, body-worn cameras, dashboard cameras, or agency-operated drones, as well as media submitted by citizens, contractors, or third parties. I request the original or highest-resolution versions of these files and associated metadata, including timestamps, geolocation data, technical specifications of recording devices, and any embedded identifiers for classification, dissemination tracking, or chain of custody.
Associated Analyses and Documentation: All investigative reports, intelligence summaries, or briefings prepared in connection with these sightings. This includes assessments of their origin, behavior, or potential significance, such as whether they posed a security, safety, or privacy threat. I also request documentation of decisions or deliberations regarding the classification, distribution, or public disclosure of information related to these events.
Communications and Directives: All internal and inter-agency communications referencing these aerial phenomena, including any correspondence that references "mystery drones," UAP, or similar terms. This includes records of communications with external entities, such as contractors, private organizations, foreign governments or international bodies, and federal, state, or local agencies involved in investigating or responding to these incidents.
Records of Federal Collaboration: All records documenting referrals, consultations, or information sharing with federal agencies such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Defense (DoD), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), or any other relevant entities.
If the scope of this request is deemed overly broad, I am willing to work with your office to refine it to ensure the timely identification and release of responsive records. I also request that responsive records be provided in their original electronic format, preserving all metadata.
If any portions of the requested records are exempt under public records laws, I request that non-exempt portions be released. For any classified materials, I request a mandatory declassification review under applicable laws, including Executive Order 13526.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 7 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Bill Gagnon
From:
Submission Completed
All signers signed this document. The signature flow for this submission is now complete.
Form name
OPRA Request Form 2024
Status
Completed
View the submission and any attachments by following the link below and using this unique access code: 8E6vEvAR9IaTGNB3
Office of the Sheriff | 101 Hooper Avenue, Toms River, NJ 08753
From: Ocean County Sheriff
Good day Bill Gagnon,
The Ocean County Sheriff's Office received your Open Public Records Act (OPRA) request on or about December 27, 2024. The official Records Custodian, Michael J. Zolezi, received your OPRA request on December 27, 2024.
Best regards.
Michael J Zolezi
Administration Division
Ocean County Sheriff's Office
120 Hooper Avenue
Toms River, NJ 08753
mzolezi@co.ocean.nj.us<mailto:mzolezi@co.ocean.nj.us>
732-929-2044 x3062
OCSO OPRA receipt to Gagnon, Bill Date: December 27, 2024
From: Ocean County Sheriff
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From: Bill Gagnon
Thank you, Sgt Fennessy!
Two clarifying questions:
1) Was this filmed on the department's DJI Matrice drone?
2) With the black-and-white false color that shows up at the 1:11 mark, is that using the drone's thermal camera or something else?
Thanks again!
From: Ocean County Sheriff
Dear Bill Gagnon,
Please see the attached files in regards to your OPRA request. Have a good day!
Best regards.
Michael J Zolezi
Administration Division
Ocean County Sheriff’s Office
120 Hooper Avenue
Toms River, NJ 08753
mzolezi@co.ocean.nj.us<mailto:mzolezi@co.ocean.nj.us>
732-929-2044 x3062
OCSO OPRA response to requestor Gagnon, Bill Date: January 2, 2025
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Video
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From: Ocean County Sheriff
Mr. Bill Gagnon,
You have filed an OPRA request for audio recordings related to the reporting of mystery drones, UAVs, UAPs, UAS, UFOs and "aerial anomalies. Calls placed to this Agency between November 1, 2024 and December 28, 2024 number about 100 calls. Due to the number of calls and the time required to review and redact "Personal Identifying Information (PII)" from these calls Special Service Charge will be applied. Please see the attached documents which explain the Special Service Charge.
If you wish to continue with this request then you must respond in writing within 7 days of this email. Failure to do so, will render this request closed. Payment must be made via check to the COUNTY OF OCEAN C/O Michael Zolezi Ocean County Sheriff's Office, Records Custodian. The check must clear before this agency begins to process your OPRA request. Any questions or concerns please contact me at MZolezi@co.ocean.nj.us<mailto:MZolezi@co.ocean.nj.us>.
Best Regards,
Michael Zolezi
Records Custodian
Ocean County Sheriff's Office
MZolezi@co.ocean.nj.us<mailto:MZolezi@co.ocean.nj.us>
732-929-2044 Ext. 3062
Notice of Special Service Charge to Gagnon, Bill Date: January 2, 2025
From: Ocean County Sheriff
Dear Bill Gagnon,
Please see the attached letter in regards to your OPRA request. Have a good day!
Best regards.
Michael J Zolezi
Administration Division
Ocean County Sheriff's Office
120 Hooper Avenue
Toms River, NJ 08753
mzolezi@co.ocean.nj.us<mailto:mzolezi@co.ocean.nj.us>
732-929-2044 x3062
OCSO OPRA response to requestor Gagnon, Bill Date: January 2, 2025
From: Ocean County Sheriff
1) Was this filmed on the department's DJI Matrice drone?
Yes, this was filmed with an agency DJI Matrice M300 utilizing a H20T camera.
2) With the black-and-white false color that shows up at the 1:11 mark, is that using the drone's thermal camera or something else?
Yes, that was utilizing the H20T's thermal camera
