IACLEA Partners with Draganfly to Introduce National Campus Drone Initiative
New Initiative for Campus Drone Programs
The International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA) has introduced a national program aimed at assisting colleges and universities in developing drone programs focused on campus public safety. Draganfly has been selected as the strategic partner to provide aircraft, training, policy guidance, and ongoing operational support.
Overview of the Campus Drone Implementation & Readiness Program
The Campus Drone Implementation & Readiness Program is designed to help campus police agencies create drone programs that comply with current regulatory requirements while adapting to evolving federal and state policies regarding unmanned aircraft.
This initiative seeks to enhance emergency response, improve situational awareness, and promote responsible drone operations through standardized policies and training.
A Structured Framework for Higher Education
Instead of requiring individual campuses to develop their drone programs independently, the initiative offers a structured framework tailored for higher education environments. The program emphasizes three key areas:
- Policy and Governance: Development of FAA-aligned operating policies, privacy and data management guidance, and governance structures suitable for colleges and universities.
- Training and Credentialing: Comprehensive instruction ranging from introductory UAS education and FAA Part 107 preparation to advanced campus-specific operations, supported by IACLEA-backed credentialing.
- Equipment and Support: Guidance on selecting appropriate Draganfly aircraft, flexible acquisition options, and ongoing technical and operational assistance.
This approach enables institutions to adopt drone technology while ensuring consistent policies and operational standards.
Adapting to Evolving Policies
The announcement coincides with ongoing federal efforts to promote the use of secure drone platforms and strengthen the domestic drone manufacturing sector. Recent executive actions and congressional proposals have urged public agencies to assess secure supply chains while expanding the use of unmanned aircraft for public safety and infrastructure purposes.
IACLEA asserts that this program provides colleges with a pathway to develop drone capabilities that align with changing regulatory and security expectations.
Statements from Leadership
Cameron Chell, CEO of Draganfly, emphasized the increasing pressures on campus safety, citing threats such as active shooters and severe weather. He noted the urgency for agencies to adopt trusted U.S.-manufactured drone solutions. “Through this selection of Draganfly by IACLEA, we’re providing campuses with a practical way to build drone programs that protect students and respect privacy,” he stated.
Paul Cell, Executive Director of IACLEA, highlighted the need for guidance that balances operational capability with privacy and community trust. He remarked, “This program delivers a standard framework, policy, training, equipment guidance, and ongoing support, allowing agencies to avoid piecemeal solutions.”
The Expanding Role of Drones in Higher Education
Many colleges and universities are already utilizing drones for various applications, including emergency response, accident documentation, search and rescue, infrastructure inspection, and event security. However, the maturity of these programs varies significantly across institutions.
By integrating policy development, standardized training, and operational support into a cohesive program, IACLEA and Draganfly aim to offer a replicable model for campuses seeking to establish or enhance their drone capabilities while adhering to evolving regulatory standards.
Further information regarding the Campus Drone Implementation & Readiness Program, including course offerings and enrollment details, will be made available through Draganfly.