Version 2 of New Mexico Tech’s Drone Assessment and Response Tactics (DART) course recently was certified. This course series, available in both residential and mobile deliveries, was revised to reflect significant legal and regulatory changes involving counter-UAS operations. The framework provided by the Safeguarding the Homeland from the Threats Posed by Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act (commonly known as the Safer Skies Act) introduced in 2025, expands the authority to detect and mitigate drone threats to state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies. A key provision of the Act is legal framework for local authorities to intervene if a drone poses a credible threat.
The new version of the DART course continues to deliver instruction using the Counter-UAS Response Model. As discussed in a previous article, this model guides first responders through the actions they can implement when identifying UAS activity by breaking down the response into a systematic approach. With six chronological steps—Detect, Identify, Track, Assess, Respond, and Report—first responders learn to effectively manage the challenges posed by the increasing use of drones in various operational environments. Thanks to the Safer Skies Act, law enforcement now has a clear legal path to act upon counter-UAS activity, helping to better ensure public safety.
“The NMT curriculum development team truly hit the mark on this course update,” noted course instructor Dan Delgado. “Following multiple trial (pilot) deliveries prior to upcoming significant national events, student comments have been notably complimentary and appreciative for its alignment with new UAS trends and technologies.”
