Surplus police equipment will help Cape May County students explore aviation, robotics and technology as the department upgrades its drone program.
MIDDLE TOWNSHIP, N.J. — Drones once used by Middle Township police officers to support public safety operations are getting a second life in the classroom, providing local students with hands-on opportunities to learn about aviation, robotics and emerging technology.
The Middle Township Committee has authorized the transfer of surplus drone equipment from the township's police department to the Middle Township Board of Education for just $1.
The decision, approved during the committee's October 19 meeting, allows the school district to acquire decommissioned DJI drone equipment as the police department upgrades its own technology.
Rather than allowing the equipment to sit unused, township officials are putting it to work in educational programs designed to introduce students to science, technology, engineering and mathematics, commonly known as STEM.
"It's a great example of our community working together — turning public safety resources into learning tools for the next generation," the township said in a statement.
The equipment is intended to support instruction in aviation, robotics and other technology-related subjects, giving students opportunities to work with devices similar to those increasingly used in law enforcement, emergency response, engineering and other industries.
Building on an Existing Technology Program
The transfer comes as Middle Township Public Schools continues expanding its technology education offerings.
In October 2024, Middle Township Middle School unveiled new STEAM and esports laboratories designed to give students hands-on experience with modern technology.
The STEAM laboratory, which emphasizes science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics, was equipped with drones, robots, 3D printers and other instructional resources.
At the time, school officials said the program was intended to introduce students to technical skills that could become increasingly valuable as they advance through high school and prepare for future careers.
"Both labs will offer experiences teaching valuable skills that extend far beyond the classroom," Middle Township Middle School Principal Jeff Ortman said when the facilities opened in 2024.
"With this early access to coding, robotics and drones, students will have the opportunity to build on their skills here as they progress to high school," Ortman said.
The additional equipment from the police department could help expand those opportunities without requiring the district to purchase comparable technology at full cost.
From Police Operations to Student Education
Middle Township Police Department established its unmanned aerial systems program in December 2023.
According to the department's 2023 annual report, the program was developed to assist officers with search-and-rescue operations, traffic accident investigations and locating suspects.
Drones can provide officers with an aerial perspective of situations that may be difficult or dangerous to assess from the ground.
The department has continued developing its drone capabilities, including maintaining a specialized drone unit.
As police equipment is upgraded, the township's decision to transfer retired technology to local schools creates an opportunity to extend the useful life of publicly owned resources.
The arrangement also illustrates how municipal government and public schools can cooperate to provide educational opportunities while making use of existing equipment.
The October 19 authorization provides for the transfer of the decommissioned equipment subject to applicable legal restrictions and required approvals.
Township officials have not publicly specified how many drones are included in the transfer or when the additional equipment will be introduced into classroom instruction.
For Middle Township students, however, the initiative represents another opportunity to explore technology that is becoming increasingly important in public safety, engineering, aviation and other fields.
What once helped police officers serve the community may now help prepare the next generation for careers involving the same technology.
About the Author
Karen Johnson
With over 30 years of news experience in major markets like Los Angeles, Denver, and Columbus, Karen now covers our area for South Jersey NewsBeat. She also brings her articulate and conversational news delivery to WOND radio listeners every weekday. Her background includes work with the NBC Radio Network, and she thrives in fast-paced news environments.
