Law Enforcement, Educators, Researchers Among Groups In NJ, Elsewhere, Seeking Drone Training Through Warren Community College

Earlier this year six officers with the Bushkill Township (PA) police department spent two and half days with staff from the Warren Community College unmanned systems program learning about ever-growing drone technology and how it can be used in myriad ways in law enforcement.

“We were very pleased with the quality of the training and the willingness of the Warren staff to adjust their training to fit the needs of our officers’ work schedules,” said Captain Scott Dempsey. “A lot of material – and flight training – was covered in (a short time), yet none of the officers felt like it was rushed. We really didn’t know what to expect with the training, but we were very happy with the quality and presentation. (By the end) our officers were prepared well for the FFA 107 exam.”

Customized training, like that which was prepared for the Bushkill Township police department, is one of the key reasons many groups have reached out to Warren for training.

“We really like to work with everybody as best we can,” said Peter Miller, Unmanned Systems Specialist and Flight Operations Manager at Warren. “Everybody’s schedule is different, so it is important for us to accommodate – and respect – their time and availability.”

In the recent past Warren traveled to Oklahoma to train officers with its Juvenile Detention Center, worked with New Jersey Transit police (on capturing aerial footage of the port ship fire this summer), first responders, power and construction companies, engineering firms, and have trained teachers throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

“Our non-credit, customized training classes are flexible,” noted Dawn Smith, Marketing Integration Coordinator at Warren. “Most often these are condensed curriculum courses that work in a lot of material in a short time. Participants leave the course with enough knowledge to take the FAA 107 exam,” a first step in becoming a certified drone pilot.

“We do encourage people to get advanced training,” added Smith, “and to get higher certification levels for those looking to fly more complex flights or for what might be considered dangerous missions.”

For those whose schedules are really tight, or who do not belong to a large enough business, Warren also offers an online course that also prepares one to take the FFA 107 exam.

Tracer Drone Technologies, based in Phillipsburg, sells drone equipment to companies throughout the United States and now, through Warren, also offers a training component option as part of its services.

“The relationship is a win-win for the College and Tracer Drone Technologies,” said Dr. Will Austin, Chief Pilot at Warren. “Having Tracer Technologies literally in our backyard allows us to partner on standing relationships they have, and we have.”

“We are able to create turn-key projects for our customers,” noted Tony Downs, from Tracer Drone Technologies. “It’s the complete solution for a group that is looking for a full package from top to bottom – product and training all in one.”

That’s what the Bushkill Township police department was able to achieve.

“Our officers really enjoyed the training, facilities and the quality of instruction provided by Warren,” said Captain Dempsey. “We would recommend this to any agency that is implementing a new drone program and/or wishes to have staff trained and prepared for taking the FAA 107 exam. We definitely will consider some of the advanced training Warren offers for our drone operators.”

To learn more about customized drone training, contact Dawn Smith at dsmith@warren.edu.