On Episode 4 of The Unmanned Podcast, host Matt Hernandez sits down with Ron Leach, founder of Leach Strategic Partners and retired New Jersey State Police helicopter pilot, to discuss how drones are transforming public safety operations—and what it takes to safely integrate unmanned aircraft into complex, real-world missions.
Q: Tell us about your background and how you got into unmanned aviation.
Ron: I’ve spent my entire career in public service—starting in the Navy, then firefighting, and later joining the New Jersey State Police. I eventually became a helicopter pilot and worked across multiple aviation missions. As drone technology evolved, I saw how it could enhance safety and efficiency for officers on the ground. That’s what led me to help establish one of the nation’s most comprehensive public safety drone programs.
Q: How are drones currently being used in public safety operations?
Ron: We use drones for everything from crash reconstruction and search-and-rescue to tactical response and disaster assessment. What used to take hours or require multiple aircraft can now be done in minutes. Drones fill critical gaps—they’re not replacing helicopters but extending our reach and keeping officers out of harm’s way.
Q: What was the process like standing up a statewide drone program?
Ron: It was a lot of groundwork—developing policies, training standards, and airspace coordination procedures. We built our foundation on aviation discipline, borrowing from what works in manned flight and applying it to drones. That’s where partners like USI were instrumental, helping us align our training with national standards and maintain consistency across all operators.
Q: What benefits have you seen since implementing drone operations?
Ron: The biggest impact is on safety and speed. We’ve seen faster response times, reduced risk to personnel, and better decision-making during emergencies. When you can deploy a drone in minutes instead of waiting for a helicopter, you save time—and sometimes lives.
Q: What are the biggest challenges in running public safety drone programs?
Ron: Airspace deconfliction and data management are ongoing challenges. We operate in environments with helicopters, medevac, and news aircraft, so communication and coordination are key. We also generate a lot of data—imagery, mapping, thermal scans—and need systems in place to store, analyze, and share that information securely.
Q: What’s next for public safety drone operations?
Ron: The next big step is scaling Drone as a First Responder (DFR) programs. We’re already seeing huge success in places like Chula Vista. The technology is there; now it’s about policy and community trust. As regulations evolve, we’ll see drones become a standard first-response tool—integrated, safe, and transparent.
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