Homeland Security Training Institute

One day class on "Close Quarter Drone (CQD) Tactics", June 22, 2026.

This course provides comprehensive training on the tactical deployment of drones in various operational environments. Participants will learn about different drone models, essential accessories, and controller options to optimize performance. The course covers drone use in outdoor and indoor settings, including yard-to-yard searches, felony vehicle stops, and room-clearing tactics. Special focus is given to integrating drones with tactical teams, suspect engagement strategies, and hostage rescue scenarios. Through practical exercises, students will gain hands-on experience in using drones for reconnaissance, threat assessment, and operational support in high-risk situations. This class is for law enforcement only.

Prerequisite requirement: Taken FAA UAV Part 107 and successfully passed, and have flight experience.

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Homeland Security Training Institute (HSTI) at College of DuPage Dedicated to providing engaging and dynamic educational programs, the Homeland Security Training Institute (HSTI) offers specialized training tailored for individuals in law enforcement, fire science, first responders, and corporate security personnel.

One day class on "NIST Drone Certification", May 28, 2026.

HSTI offers an official NIST drone pilot certification day built on nationally recognized testing standards developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. This program is administered through Certified Law Enforcement Drone Association (LEDA) proctors.

These hands-on courses challenge pilots to complete structured flight lanes while capturing precise aerial imagery with zero errors. Those who pass will receive a nationally recognized LEDA Flight Skills certificate and patch, valid for one year.

Second attempt day will be provided.

Available Certifications:
-LEDA Flight Skills 1 - Position and traverse lanes
-LEDA Flight Skills 2 - Position, traverse, orbit, inspect and recon

Why Should Your Agency Certify?

-Improve safety: Standardized testing ensures pilots can operate safely in complex, high-risk environments.
-Objective performance metrics: Measure, track and validate pilot skill progression with repeatable standards.
-Reduce liability: Documented training based on national standards strengthens your program’s defensibility and provides a baseline benchmark for pilot proficiency.
-Increase operational effectiveness: Pilots trained in realistic scenarios perform better during critical incidents and are familiar with common movement commands used during flight.

Additional Reminders:

-Certification is limited to law enforcement, fire departments and emergency management agencies.
-Pilots must fly their own drone.
-No large drone platforms. DJI M30 or smaller only; no Matrice 350, 400 or similar models.
-Available certifications include LEDA Flight Skills 1 and LEDA Flight Skills 2.
-Passing scores earn a certificate and patch for each course, valid for one year.

Follow the link for more information:

Homeland Security Training Institute (HSTI) at College of DuPage Dedicated to providing engaging and dynamic educational programs, the Homeland Security Training Institute (HSTI) offers specialized training tailored for individuals in law enforcement, fire science, first responders, and corporate security personnel.

One day class on "Advanced Drone Payload Operations", May 26, 2026.

This fast-paced class combines lecture, hands-on labs, and scenario-based exercises. Participants will use College owned, payload equipped drones to simulate missions.

A practical course designed for Emergency Responders and Law Enforcement drone operators covering both rescue and "red-team" deployment.
We will explore both legitimate and malicious applications of payload-equipped drones that will better prepare the student for real-life situations.
Designed for professionals responsible for rescue, event security, correctional facilities, and sensitive locations.

Prerequisite requirements: UAV Part 107 Pilot, 1+ years of flying experience

Key learning outcomes

-Payload Identification: Identify common and emerging payload types and their lawful uses.
-Threat Assessment: Recognize indicators of nefarious payload employment and probable intent.
-Field Exercises: Conduct and debrief practical field scenarios based on real-world incidents.
-Operational Tactics: Conduct different payload delivery methods for SAR and LE drone operators.

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Homeland Security Training Institute (HSTI) at College of DuPage Dedicated to providing engaging and dynamic educational programs, the Homeland Security Training Institute (HSTI) offers specialized training tailored for individuals in law enforcement, fire science, first responders, and corporate security personnel.

Our pilot Vehicle Takedowns class was today, along with the creative measures involved to acquaint students with shooting at an extreme downward angle, in the effort to avoid collateral damage within a targeted vehicle.

Be as safe as you can out there!

We will be offering a unique 1-day class on "Navigating the Events Surrounding the Death of an Officer in the Line of Duty", May 13, 2026.

Immediate Responsibilities of Police Department Leadership

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Proactive Ballistic Shield Deployment Ballistic Shield class on May 4, 2026.

Learn how to utilize ballistic shields in a proactive manner that will provide maximum coverage, mitigate risk and integrate into best practices and tactics.

Topics include:

-Ballistic shield selection and care
-Carry positions and movement with a ballistic shield
-Using ballistic shields during initial entry, in structures and around vehicles
-Using a shield as a solo officer and two officers
-Using a shield within a Team capacity
-Shooting from behind and around ballistic shields during live-fire exercises

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Homeland Security Training Institute (HSTI) at College of DuPage Dedicated to providing engaging and dynamic educational programs, the Homeland Security Training Institute (HSTI) offers specialized training tailored for individuals in law enforcement, fire science, first responders, and corporate security personnel.

Advanced Firearm Instructor Training, June 23 - 25, 2026.

The Homeland Security Training Institutes Advanced Fi****ms Instructor Training is a three-day class for fi****ms instructors that have already successfully completed an Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board certified fi****ms instructor class. The purpose of the class it to pick up where the basic fi****ms instructors classes leave off and give instructors a better understanding of teaching fi****ms fundamentals and their application in both a training and real-world environment, while understanding principles of human performance under stress and the physiological response that occur. Successful completion of this course is also a requirement for all College of DuPage, Suburban Law Enforcement Academy Instructors (SLEA).

Follow this link for more information:

Homeland Security Training Institute (HSTI) at College of DuPage Dedicated to providing engaging and dynamic educational programs, the Homeland Security Training Institute (HSTI) offers specialized training tailored for individuals in law enforcement, fire science, first responders, and corporate security personnel.

By popular demand we will be running a second class on Vehicle Takedowns on April 22, 2026, the day after our first class. It should be noted, this will be the same class that is being offered on consecutive days, April 21st and 22nd.

An overwhelming amount of law enforcement operations occur in or near a vehicle (arrests, undercover operations, etc.) and these types of operations often have the potential for violence; therefore, officers must always prepare for a variety of contingencies. This course will prepare officers to plan, coordinate and execute vehicle takedowns in order to more effectively minimize risk and preserve life. This class provides the perfect marriage with our “Covert Surveillance for Narcotics and Task Force Units” class, as they are both highly interrelated. Use the link at the bottom of the attached flyer for more information.

First week on a “hot” line for our Suburban Law Enforcement Academy (SLEA), Basic Academy Class BA 26-01. I’m very proud of our “red shirts”. In my opinion, a special skill set is needed for students at the Academy level and our cadre is among the best I’ve seen for this.