After more than three decades in law enforcement, David “DJ” Smith has announced his retirement from the Virginia State Police (VSP) effective November 1, 2025. Smith, who has spent almost 28 years as a Technical Surveillance Agent for the Department of Virginia State Police, plus its Unmanned Aerial & CUAS Systems Program Coordinator for over 4 years, will transition to the private sector with Amazon Global, joining the company’s SPEAR STT organization.
Smith’s law enforcement career began in 1994 as a Public Safety Officer with the Johnson City Police Bureau in Tennessee before joining the Virginia State Police in 1997. Over the course of his career, he built a nationally recognized portfolio of expertise in technical and tactical surveillance, drone operations, and counter-UAS innovation. He has been instrumental in shaping how law enforcement adapts to emerging technologies, particularly in aerial surveillance and airspace security.
At VSP, Smith helped establish and lead the agency’s Drone and Counter-UAS programs, developing the policies, training curriculum, and operational frameworks that underpin one of the nation’s most advanced state-level airspace security initiatives. His work has bridged tactical surveillance and technology development, blending hands-on field experience with the operational demands of modern policing.
Beyond his service to Virginia, Smith has served as Deputy Director for Counter-UAS with DRONERESPONDERS Public Safety UAS Alliance, collaborating with agencies and experts worldwide to improve drone safety, education, and legislation. He has also represented public safety interests on national and international panels focused on countering the criminal and terrorist use of drones, working with organizations including the FAA’s CUAS Aviation Rulemaking Committee, Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation, and DHS Science and Technology Directorate.
In recognition of his decades of service and innovation, Smith was honored by Homeland Security Today in the 2024 Holiday Hero Awards, celebrating individuals in the homeland security community who have gone above and beyond in service, collaboration, and commitment to mission.
As he moves to Amazon, Smith said he intends to apply his decades of public safety experience to strengthen the company’s global security posture, particularly in the area of drone and counter-drone operations. He will also continue his work with DRONERESPONDERS, helping shape global policy and education efforts that support both security and innovation in unmanned aviation.
(AI was used in part to facilitate this article.)