SEU Offers UAS Unmanned Aerial Systems: Drone Overwatch Course
May 06, 2026
Saint Elizabeth University is pleased to announce that Detective Figueiredo will teach a new course offering for our Criminal Justice department. The course, UAS Unmanned Aerial Systems: Drone Overwatch will begin on May 18, 2026 in an Online and Hybrid format. Contact Dr. Kathy Marino (kmarino@steu.edu) for more information and registration.
Detective Luis Figueiredo is a seasoned law enforcement professional with more than 20 years of experience. He currently serves as a Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Task Force Officer with the Department of Homeland Security assisting with Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) operations during complex investigations. For the Elizabeth Police Department, Luis is the Chief Pilot and architect of the department’s Unmanned Aerial Systems program, which he developed from the ground up. Under his leadership, the program achieved significant milestones, including becoming one of the first law enforcement UAS programs to receive FAA authorization for BVLOS operations and a Jurisdictional Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (JCOA) within Class B airspace.
Detective Figueiredo is responsible for training departmental drone pilots and regularly instructs on drone operations at the New Jersey Police Academy. In addition to holding a Criminal Justice degree he also maintains multiple certifications, including FAA Part 107, NJ Police Training Commission certification, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Title 19 certification. He is also an active member of the New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association (PBA), the Law Enforcement Drone Association (LEDA), and Drone Responders, with a continued focus on advancing drone technology integration in modern public safety operations while emphasizing safety, accountability, and operational excellence.