Shaping the Future—Legislation, Innovation & Force Multiplication
Dronecast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time · 2025-11-25 · 38 min
Episode notes
Our host Joe Kearns welcomes DJ Smith, a recently retired 31-years in public safety who served as the Unmanned Aerial CUAS Program Coordinator for the Virginia State Police and now joins Amazon Global’s SPEAR STT organization. From his early days experimenting with drones to becoming a national leader in counter-drone defense, DJ shares how dedication to safety, education, and innovation drives his mission. He discusses how counter-drone technology is evolving to defend against emerging threats, why legislative reform is vital for local enforcement, and how real-world testing in Virginia — and now his work in the private sector — are setting a new standard for airspace security. DJ also highlights how collaboration between agencies mirrors the teamwork and discipline found in military service — proving that protecting our homeland extends beyond the battlefield. This episode is a powerful reminder that service takes many forms, and innovation is the next frontier of defense.