With the immense propagation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) aka "drones" throughout the United States, many local law enforcement agencies are progressively finding themselves responding to prohibited, reckless, and illegal operations with this dynamically changing technology by individuals. Drones are unmanned flying aircraft that can be controlled by an operator or autonomously programmed using computer software to be flown according to GPS coordinates. Drones come in various shapes and sizes and can be customized to carry out specific functions. Recent technological advancements and strong commercialization have made drones much more affordable and accessible to the public and there has been a rapid influx of devices into the market. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has reported a dramatic and alarming increase in drone sightings by aircraft pilots. The FAA is working closely with the law enforcement community to investigate and enforce the unauthorized or unlawful operation of unmanned aircraft, and currently has dozens of open enforcement cases pending. The FAA has specified that it will be relying on local law enforcement to respond and investigate these UAS events in the field since they do not have sufficient manpower to do so. Law enforcement agencies need to understand how to respond to the authorized/unauthorized use of this technology and the applicable federal, state, and local regulations governing their use.

Anthony Galante has spent over 20 years expanding his skill set through both education and hands-on experience. Earning his Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree in Aeronautical Science from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU), he also acquired his commercial pilot's license with instrument and multi-engine add-ons. He received the Dothan Jet Center commercial pilot of the year award in 1996.

Galante began his law enforcement career in Daytona Beach, Florida where he became a sworn law enforcement officer with the Daytona Beach Police Department. It was his quality of work, effectiveness of communication, problem-solving abilities, and confidence under pressure that was recognized by his supervisors and achieved him a transfer from the patrol division to the Marine Unit. There, he worked independently across multiple agencies in several cities. Galante's unique talents also earned him the assignment of Lead Trainer on the SWAT team where he not only taught others but also was directly involved with the planning and executing of high risk warrants, hostage rescue, and retrieving barricaded subjects.

Galante acted as the police department's lead instructor in the Training Division for all high liability areas including firearms, high-risk entry, emergency vehicle operations, and defensive tactics. He also was the department's Use of Force Expert and was relied upon heavily by Internal Affairs for use of force investigations. He became the sUAS Division Director for the Daytona Beach Police Department in 2012 where he was responsible for the development and implementation of sUAS standard operating procedures that are in compliance with FAA standards and regulations. In 2013 Mr. Galante helped design, develop, implement and evaluate the sUAS training program for law enforcement in conjunction with Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. From 2014-2016, Galante was the Director of Training Services for the Unmanned Safety Institute, which delivers training programs and consultation nationwide for all UAS platforms. Currently, he is continuously developing and implementing up-to-date training programs for new sUAS operators and observers nationwide as a full time faculty member with Embry Riddle Aeronautical University for their UAS program.

In addition to his degree in Aeronautical Science, Galante has earned a Master's Degree in Criminal Justice and another Master's Degree in Homeland Security from American Military University. He presently serves as full time faculty for Embry Riddle Aeronautical University where he instructs for the Aeronautical Science Unmanned Aircraft Systems program. Galante is also full time faculty at Keiser University and American Military University for the Criminal Justice and Homeland Security programs. In the past, he instructed at the law enforcement academy at Daytona State College.