When the Threat Comes From Above: Drone Mitigation, Cybersecurity, and Facility Risk

​Airspace is no longer a benign no-man’s land — it’s a blind spot in every security posture that can be exploited by anyone with a small UAV and minimal training. What was once a recreational gadget has become a multi-vector threat that touches facilities, cybersecurity, investigations, and physical security alike.

​Why This Matters Now

​From smuggling contraband into correctional facilities to unauthorized surveillance of critical infrastructure, drone activity is rapidly evolving into a pervasive risk with real consequences. Drones have been detected:

• ​Flying near major airports in violation of federal regulations, forcing delays and operational chaos.

• ​Carrying cameras and sensors capable of corporate espionage, capturing sensitive facility layouts, operations, and data.

• ​Being used to smuggle contraband like drugs, cellphones, and weapons into prisons.

​And that’s only the beginning.

​This session isn’t theoretical — it’s grounded in real-world airspace security case studies that reveal how detection technologies are being used to:

• ​Detect and track drones in real time

• ​Locate pilots and flight paths for actionable response

• ​Integrate seamlessly with existing security systems

• ​Mitigate threats before they become incidents

​

​Agenda

​12:00pm - Registration and Networking

​12:30pm - Lunch

​1:00pm - Presentation

​2:00pm - Conclusion/Raffle

​

​About Our Speaker

​Charles “Chip” Dick currently serves as the Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at AirSight, where he leads strategic partnerships with technology partners as well as law enforcement and public safety agencies across the region. In this role, he delivers advanced drone detection and counter-UAS solutions, mentors agencies on operational best practices, and oversees training programs that enhance situational awareness and campus safety capabilities. Chip continues to be involved with the FBI through the InfraGard public-private partnership, helping to protect critical infrastructure.

​Prior to joining AirSight, Chip served for more than 20 years with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), concluding his distinguished career as Chief of the Defensive Systems Unit. There, he directed a nationwide team responsible for mission-critical programs supporting FBI personnel, including the management of weapons systems, ballistic protection, range development, and readiness operations worldwide.  He also served as an instructor in the FBI’s National Academy Leadership Development Unit, supporting the professional development of executive-level law enforcement leaders nationwide.

​He holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Cumberland University and a Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Administration from Middle Tennessee State University. His additional credentials include serving as Adjunct Faculty for the University of Virginia, FBI Advanced Instructor, FBI Firearms Instructor, and Undercover and Sensitive Operations Instructor.

​Before his federal career, Chip began in local law enforcement as a Metro Nashville Police Officer, gaining firsthand experience in community policing and crisis response. In the private sector, he has held leadership roles including President of 2nd and 21st and Director of Law Enforcement Business Development at Geissele Automatics, where he focused on performance improvement and national partnerships.

​Widely respected for his expertise in law enforcement operations, leadership development, and emerging security technology, Chip is a sought-after speaker and mentor dedicated to advancing public safety nationwide. He resides in Nashville, Tennessee, where his lifelong commitment to service is shared by his family—his two adult children also serve in public safety roles, one as a U.S. Marine (RECON) and the other as an FBI Special Agent.

​

​Transparency Disclosure Notice

​​To ensure full transparency regarding this event, the following information is provided to all attendees, sponsors, and participants:

• ​​Event Management & Services:
  This event is being managed and administered by Net Force Corporation, whose representative (Josh Chin) currently serves as the Chapter President of the HTCIA Southern California Chapter.

• ​​Payment Processing & Funds Handling:
  All credit card payments for this event are processed through Net Force Corporation’s merchant account. Net Force is not charging HTCIA or the Chapter for the use of this account.

• ​​Collection & Transfer of Funds:
  Net Force will collect all event payments and will forward 100% of the net proceeds to HTCIA.
  The only deductions will be:

  • ​​Standard third-party credit card processing fees, and

  • ​​Applicable Luma event platform fees (where relevant).
    Net Force does not take any administrative, service, or management fees of any kind.

• ​​No Profit or Financial Benefit:
  Neither Net Force, or Josh Chin is earning income, profit, markup, commission, or compensation in any form from this event. No portion of event revenues will go to Net Force or Josh Chin beyond reimbursement of the actual third-party payment processor costs and event platform fees.

• ​​Purpose and Intent:
  The sole purpose of this arrangement is to support HTCIA and ensure the event can be delivered smoothly, cost-effectively, and without financial risk to HTCIA.

• ​​Local Chapter Approval:
  This arrangement has been reviewed and approved by the local HTCIA Southern California Chapter leadership.

• ​​Questions or Clarifications:
  Anyone with questions about these arrangements, financial flows, or the nonprofit’s handling of event funds is encouraged to reach out for clarification at any time. Transparency is a priority, and all inquiries are welcome.