GLYNCO, GA - In a rapidly changing world with new challenges and threats emerging on a regular basis, Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) Enforcement Operations Division Instructors Larry Brooks and Troy Rowell saw an opportunity to develop a law enforcement focused small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) training program.

When Brooks and Rowell reviewed a lesson plan for a Land Management Police Training surveillance class, their minds went to the practical application of drones.  While this lesson plan review was the genesis, the ideas evolved to include a more holistic approach to law enforcement use and capabilities.

Rowell says drones are a “force multiplier” and give officers a multifunctional tool capable of assisting them in their duties. Rowell mentions that “some agencies in the country are already utilizing sUAS to be an initial response for calls of service to ensure scene safety.” Training officers with new skills and abilities to utilize sUAS in service has taken a tremendous amount of preparation to develop the course curriculum. 

Instructors guide students through an 80-hour course that qualifies them as sUAS pilots. It consists of lessons on legalities of flying a sUAS, obtaining Federal Aviation Administration certifications, spending 20+ hours learning basic flight controls, and completing at least 25 hours of flight time prior to a practical exercise. Learning to navigate through challenging courses, conduct surveillance, and provide aerial views of dangerous situations enhances students’ ability to do more than just fly the sUAS. They learn to utilize that tool in a law enforcement capacity. 

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