How Drones are Used in Public Safety

Instructor: Jim Santilli

Modest-sized drones known as small unmanned aerial systems, abbreviated as sUAS, are in wide use by law enforcement and other agencies. This technology provides for lower cost and in some cases more effective surveillance and support capabilities compared to such technologies as helicopters. Whether used for fugitive apprehension, traffic accident analysis, or firefighting support, these flexible machines have opened a new means of viewing the world that can be easily deployed almost anywhere at any time. This course will provide a detailed look at what drones are, what they do, and what it takes to operate them, and —weather permitting—drone flight will be demonstrated!

About the Presenter: Jim Santilli is President of American Air Operations, which provides UAS training and other services to 162 public agencies and private enterprises. He holds an sUAS Airman certificate from the FAA (equivalent to a pilot’s license for these devices) and along the way has flown many missions in support of public safety over a period of eight years. He holds a degree in criminal justice and has over 20 years’ experience in the public safety field.