the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hamilton NJ, the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (NJOHSP) has officially launched its Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Training Program for law enforcement, kicking off the first of 21 planned courses on January 10, 2025, at the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office facility in Freehold.
This initiative aims to equip first responders with the knowledge and tools needed to prevent, prepare for, and respond to public safety incidents involving drones. Each of New Jersey’s 21 counties will host a session, strengthening statewide preparedness against unauthorized or malicious drone activity.
Addressing Emerging Drone Threats
The UAS Training Program is a result of ongoing efforts by the New Jersey Domestic Security Preparedness Task Force (DSPTF) UAS Subcommittee, in collaboration with the New Jersey State Police and various federal, state, and local partners.
As drone use has grown, so have security concerns. In late November 2024, New Jersey experienced an increase in suspicious drone activity, reinforcing the urgent need for law enforcement training in handling such incidents.
A History of Proactive Drone Security Measures
New Jersey has been at the forefront of drone security for years. Key milestones include:
- 2020: DSPTF ratified the State UAS Defense Strategy, outlining a plan for UAS Task Force creation and public-private coordination.
- 2023: NJOHSP launched the UAS Dashboard, providing resources for residents, businesses, and law enforcement.
- 2023: DSPTF approved Homeland Security Grant Program funding for UAS law enforcement training.
These initiatives ensured that New Jersey law enforcement was prepared when drone-related security concerns arose in 2024.
What the UAS Training Program Covers
The “UAS Training for Law Enforcement: Enhancing Public Safety” course provides officers with comprehensive instruction on:
✅ UAS Capabilities & Operator Types
✅ Drone Regulations & Laws
✅ Impacts of Weather on Drones
✅ Airspace Classification & Restrictions
✅ Response Strategies for Unauthorized Drone Activity
This statewide program is available to all sworn federal, state, and local law enforcement officers in New Jersey, ensuring agencies have the skills to detect, track, and mitigate drone-related threats.
Why This Training Matters
“As the number of drones in civilian airspace continues to rise, we aim to address potential risks and to help ensure public safety in New Jersey,” said NJOHSP Director Laurie R. Doran. “While drones offer numerous benefits, they also present security challenges, including their potential use by threat actors for illegal activities.”
New Jersey State Police Superintendent, Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, emphasized the importance of cutting-edge training to combat emerging threats.
“The rapid growth of drone technology has revolutionized industries and transformed how we approach public safety,” he said. “However, it has also introduced new threats that law enforcement must address.”
Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago echoed these sentiments, stating that officers trained in the program will return to their jurisdictions better prepared to identify drones, assess their capabilities, and develop response strategies.
Next Steps: Statewide Expansion
Following the Monmouth County session, NJOHSP is already delivering its second course in Somerset County, with additional training events scheduled throughout all 21 counties in New Jersey.
As drone use continues to evolve, New Jersey’s proactive approach ensures that law enforcement agencies remain one step ahead, protecting communities from drone-related threats.
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