Drones for Law & Public Safety Pathway
Recommended Pathway for Drones in Law & Public Safety
The courses below are recommended by our Board and network of industry experts. Each course link will lead to a page with lesson plans, national standards, and resources. For more information, feel free to email info@laspen.org
Introduction Course – Introduction to Law and Public Safety (ILPS)
It is recommended that a drones pathway begin with a broad based introduction to the law and public safety system. Drone professionals are a key part of the larger law and public system, so a critical starting point for the pathway is an exploration of the larger ecosystem the drone operators live in. Additionally, it is advised that a high school pathway in drones not become so specific to drones exclusively that participants are not exposed to other elements in LPS. The broader approach helps with marketing to encourage students to enroll.
Visit our Introduction to Law and Public Safety course page – with unit lesson plans – Click Here
Core Course – Drones for Law and Public Safety (DLPS)
This course prepares students for certifications to operate drones in the law and public safety environment. First students will complete the necessary training to be prepared to pass the FAA 107 Pilot test. Students will then train in remote sensing and photogrammetry. Students will learn how to prepare and plan for law and public safety operations. A significant portion of the course time will be dedicated to developing flight skills and performing maneuvers necessary for such operations. Using the National Institute of Standards and Technology national standard performance test for unmanned aerial vehicles, students will train for real world applications.
Visit our Drones for Law and Public Safety course page – with unit lesson plans – Click Here
Third+ Course Options
Note – we are in the middle of major updates. We hope to have everything ready by mid-winter 2024
LAPSEN recommends pathways have flexibility for local systems to adjust to local needs. It is also recommended that a “deeper dive” into SPS-related content come from dual enrollment opportunities, if possible. The SPS course covers secondary educational needs adequately. To maximize student career preparation, engagement, and marketing it is suggested to offer courses similar to those listed below to complete the pathway.
Option 1 – Law Enforcement (LE)
The Law Enforcement course may be the best option. There are numerous crossovers in skill sets and practices. The Law Enforcement course prepares individuals to perform the duties of police and security officers, including patrol and investigative activities, traffic control, crowd control, public relations, witness interviewing, evidence collection and management, court procedures and the law in general. Basic crime prevention methods, weapon and equipment operation, equipment maintenance, and other routine law enforcement responsibilities are also included.
Visit our Law Enforcement course page – Click Here (page is under revision and should be completed by 2024)
Option 2 – Criminal Investigations and Forensics (CIF)
CIF is another great option as it is both marketable and industry is demanding more investigation skills for career candidates. Students will learn how crimes are investigated in America. Hands on skills in crime scene processing and recording will be covered as well as evidence handling. Students will learn how investigations are initiated and conducted as well as how constitutional restraints guide investigations. Techniques in interviews and interrogations will be practiced. Students will also learn about criminological theories and how they are applied to the investigation process.
Visit our Criminal Investigations and Forensics course page – Click Here (page is under revision and should be completed by 2024)
Other Options
There are many options that local systems can review that may fit more approriately.
Visit our overall course page – Click Here (page is under revision and should be completed by 2024)
Industry Recognized Credential (IRC) for the Drones Pathway
This course is deigned to adequately prepare students for all three IRCs.
FAA Part 107
FAA Part 107 test is only offered at FAA-authorized testing centers. Cost of the test – $175. Click Here to learn more.
Implementation options:
- Plan on 60 hours in the DLPS course to review content and prepare students to test with plenty of flight time – this is what we recommend.
- Have students complete the FAA Part 107 independently
- Enroll students in an online preparation course
The FAA Part 107 is basic licensing for commercial drone use.
Instructors do not need any special training for this section, however it is recommended teachers complete FAA Part 107 certification.
NFPA 2400 Standard for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) Used for Public Safety Operations (2019 edition)
This part of the certification process begins to focus on public safety skills sets. This part requires 25-30 hours of class time including skills practice and evaluation. To read more on NFPA 2400 Click Here.
Instructors will need to be certified to offer student certification.
Student Certification
- The NFPA certification test covers part of the requirement.
- Cost – $25 or $20 for LAPSEN members.
- Cut Score – 70
- To order tests Click Here.
- Teachers will sign off on student skill achievements to complete the certification.
For more specific information on instructor training: Click Here
ESRI Drone2Map
This part of the certification process begins to focus on integrating drone data into 2D and 3D mapping applications. This part requires 25 hours of class time. To read more on ESRI Drone2Map Click Here.
Instructors will need to be certified to offer student certification.
Student Certification
- Passing the Drone2Map test results in certification.
- Cost – $25 or $20 for LAPSEN members.
- Cut Score is 70
- To order test Click Here
- Teachers will sign off on student skill achievements to complete the certification.
For more specific information on instructor training: Click Here
Resources
Program Examples
Hoke County High School
Program Video – Click Here
Training
Check out all upcoming training!
Click Here to go to our Training Schedule
Pathway Materials & Resources
Links Page – Click Here
Equipment – NFPA 2400 NIST Props with disks – Click Here
Support
These educators and industry specialist have volunteered to help you. They are your network of support.
National Drones Specialist – Wayne Bailey
Learn more about Wayne – Click Here for his Linkedin
Brief Bio: Click Here
Email Wayne – Click Here
Wayne is heading up this new technology. Drones are increasingly appearing in Public Safety Applications.
Adminstrative Drones Specialist – David Barbour
Learn more about David – Click Here for his Linkedin
Brief Bio: Click Here
Email David – Click Here
David is a trailblazer in drone instruction in CTE. He is also becoming quite the drone pilot.
Starting a Drone program? Need more info? Reach out to our specialist Wayne Bailey:
FAA 107 is a part of the piloting process to be licensed. Blue Ridge Drones can work with school systems to offer such training for instructors. Larger systems can get all their instructors done together.
Reach out to your Ag, Engineering and Film CTAE programs as they also can offer this traing to their students.
The 107 course offered by Blue Ridge – This course prepares public safety/emergency responders for small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS)/Drone flight certification. Topics include flight theory, flight operations, and flight training utilizing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Remote Pilot – Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Study Guide, Learners will gain an introduction to commercial, government, and recreational drone applications. Coursework will highlight topics such as regulations, weather, airspace, human factors, and sUAS performance. There will also be an opportunity for hands-on flying drones. Upon completion, students will be prepared to sit for the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Knowledge Test.
Rach out to Wayne. He is the guru of all things drones – wayne@lapsen.org