Essex County College 'First In Nation' To Offer Drone Classes

Essex County College announced that it will be the “first in the nation” to conduct classes in drone operations for law enforcement personnel and civilians.

Essex County College President Gale Gibson announced the new certificate class following the donation of a complete drone system to the college by FlexRight Solutions.

According to a release, the $75,000 system includes four drones, two of which are equipped with such high-tech features as thermal imaging and spotlights.

The college plans to roll out the class through its College’s Division Community and Continuing Education by October.

FlexRight Solutions CEO Damian Pitts stated that the vision was to have a two-track curriculum, with retired law enforcement personnel and subject matter experts from his firm teaching the class.

Hopefully, students would then be able to market themselves to police agencies, municipalities, the public and business sectors as drone operators, Pitts stated.

“There is no perfect answer, no ‘one size fits all’ method to addressing crime,” Gibson opined. “However, we should utilize technology – whether it is body cameras, drones, facial recognition software, or surveillance technology – as an option to decrease crime, improve efficiency, ensure professionalism, effectiveness, and improve officer and civilian safety, resulting in overall improvement in our communities.”

Photo courtesy of Essex County College

Photo caption: Essex County College President Gale Gibson (left) and Essex County College Public Safety Director Anthony Cromartie display a drone donated to the school by FlexRight Solutions.

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