RLC hosts Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) training

INA, Ill. – Eight Illinois law enforcement officers joined Rend Lake College instructors on campus this week for a new Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) training. The RLC class, in partnership with the Southern Illinois Criminal Justice Training Program Mobile Team Unit 15, is titled Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems in Law Enforcement. During the four-day, 32-hour class, officers are introduced to the use of drones in law enforcement with specific focus on evidence collection and search operations.

The law enforcement officers began class Wednesday morning with a group photo before jumping into drone flight training. Pictured is, FROM LEFT, RLC Instructor Anthony Amato, Marty Vaughn of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Troy Williams of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Beau Mance of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Kris Taylor of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Keith Brown of the Saline County Sheriff’s Office, Larry Galbraith of the Perry County Sheriff’s Office, Danny Lake of the Effingham Police Department, RLC Instructor Chris Edwards, and Randy Wilson of the Abingdon Police Department. Click on the image for a larger view.
(ReAnne Palmer / RLC Public Information)

At the RLC Airfield Wednesday morning, RLC instructors discussed weather conditions, proper takeoff and landing procedures, basic flight maneuvers, video and photo capabilities, and much more. After the final day of class, each officer will also understand the Freedom from Drone Surveillance Act and be prepared to test for and earn the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) certification for small UAS Operator.

To learn more about RLC’s UAS program, visit www.rlc.edu/programs-and-degrees/12427-unmanned-aircraft-systems, call 618-437-5321, Ext. 1261, or email AppliedScience@rlc.edu. Click on the images below for larger views.

Some officers brought their agency’s equipment to the hands-on training, including Sergeant Danny Lake of the Effingham Police Department.
(ReAnne Palmer / RLC Public Information)

Sergeant Kris Taylor of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, RIGHT, uses one of the RLC drones to practice flying at the Airfield. Also pictured is RLC Instructor Anthony Amato.
(ReAnne Palmer / RLC Public Information)

The law enforcement officers prepare for takeoff at the RLC Airfield. Pictured is, FROM LEFT, Troy Williams of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Marty Vaughn of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Kris Taylor of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Randy Wilson of the Abingdon Police Department, Beau Mance of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, RLC Instructor Anthony Amato, Danny Lake of the Effingham Police Department, RLC Instructor Chris Edwards, Larry Galbraith of the Perry County Sheriff’s Office, and Keith Brown of the Saline County Sheriff’s Office.
(ReAnne Palmer / RLC Public Information)

Saline County Sheriff Keith Brown, RIGHT, joins RLC Instructor Anthony Amato on the field during a practice flight with one of the college’s drones.
(ReAnne Palmer / RLC Public Information)

RLC Instructor Anthony Amato changes blades on the college’s Phantom 4 drone before takeoff. Pictured is, FROM LEFT, Randy Wilson of the Abingdon Police Department, Sheriff Keith Brown of the Saline County Sheriff’s Office, Amato, and Sergeant Danny Lake of the Effingham Police Department.
(ReAnne Palmer / RLC Public Information)