New initiative offers colleges a framework for building compliant drone programs focused on public safety, training, and governance
The International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA) has launched a new national program designed to help colleges and universities establish drone programs for campus public safety. The association has selected Draganfly as its strategic partner to provide aircraft, training, policy guidance, and ongoing operational support.
The new Campus Drone Implementation & Readiness Program aims to help campus police agencies build drone programs that meet current regulatory requirements while preparing for changing federal and state policies governing unmanned aircraft.
According to the organizations, the program is intended to improve emergency response, increase situational awareness, and support responsible drone operations through standardized policies and training.
A Standardized Approach for Higher Education
Rather than asking individual campuses to develop drone programs independently, the initiative provides a structured framework built specifically for higher education environments.
The program focuses on three primary areas:
- Policy and Governance: FAA-aligned operating policies, privacy and data management guidance, and governance structures designed for colleges and universities.
- Training and Credentialing: 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.
The organizations say this approach allows institutions to adopt drone technology while maintaining consistent policies and operational standards.
Responding to Changing Policy
The announcement comes as federal policymakers continue to emphasize the use of trusted, secure drone platforms and the development of a stronger domestic drone manufacturing base. Recent executive actions and congressional proposals have encouraged public agencies to evaluate secure supply chains while expanding the use of unmanned aircraft for public safety and infrastructure applications.
Against that backdrop, IACLEA says the program offers colleges a path to develop drone capabilities that align with evolving regulatory and security expectations.
“Campus safety is under more pressure than ever; active shooters, political violence, severe weather, and malicious drone activity are no longer abstract risks,” said Cameron Chell, CEO of Draganfly. “At the same time, Washington is signaling that agencies need to move rapidly toward trusted U.S.-manufactured drone and counter drone solutions. Through this selection of Draganfly by IACLEA, we’re giving campuses a practical, fully supported way to build drone programs that protect students, respect privacy, and keep pace with these new expectations.”
Building Trust Alongside Technology
IACLEA says campus leaders have consistently asked for guidance that balances operational capability with privacy, compliance, and community confidence.
“Campus leaders have been very clear: they want the benefits of drone technology without compromising on compliance, privacy, or community trust,” said Paul Cell, Executive Director of IACLEA. “This program delivers a standard, IACLEA-backed framework, policy, training, equipment guidance, and ongoing support, so agencies don’t have to experiment on their own or stitch together one-off solutions. It’s a roadmap built specifically for the realities of higher education.”
Cell also described the selection process that led to the partnership.
“Following a rigorous and highly competitive evaluation process, IACLEA selected Draganfly as its strategic partner for this initiative. The company has consistently demonstrated its value to the public safety community and has earned the respect and confidence of law enforcement agencies and professional police associations across North America. This collaboration represents an unprecedented step for IACLEA, the first initiative of its kind to provide member institutions with a comprehensive, association-endorsed pathway for the responsible implementation of drone technology on campus. We are proud to partner with an organization that shares our commitment to professionalism, innovation, and public trust.”
Growing Role for Campus Drones
Many colleges and universities already use drones for applications such as emergency response, accident documentation, search and rescue, infrastructure inspection, and event security. However, program maturity varies widely between institutions.
By combining policy development, standardized training, and operational support into a single program, IACLEA and Draganfly aim to provide a repeatable model for campuses looking to establish or expand their drone capabilities while meeting evolving regulatory expectations.
Additional information about the Campus Drone Implementation & Readiness Program, including course offerings and enrollment details, will be available through Draganfly.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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