We are excited to add Robert Sorensen to our Helix Defense team as Director of Training and Industry Liaison. As we move into a more active period for Helix Defense and as our Sting(R) counter-drone munition starts its domestic distribution, determining usage and training has become an important part of our service. We’d like to introduce Robert Sorensen and his background as it highly relates to the needs of our domestic partners.
Robert D. Sorensen is a seasoned federal law enforcement professional with over 30 years of experience in corrections, investigations, and tactical training. He most recently served as a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Prisons Office of Internal Affairs (OIA) in Washington, D.C., where he operated at the GS-13 level. In this role, he oversaw and monitored investigative activity across eight federal institutions, managing nearly 1,000 cases involving allegations of staff misconduct, policy violations, and fraud, waste, and abuse. His work required precision, discretion, and collaboration with agencies including the FBI, NCIS, and the Department of Justice Office of Inspector General.
Prior to his role in Internal Affairs, Sorensen served as a Task Force Officer assigned to a joint FBI and Bureau of Prisons initiative in Scranton, Pennsylvania. There, he investigated federal crimes within correctional institutions, contributing to complex cases including a high-profile inmate homicide investigation involving extensive interviews and coordination across multiple agencies. He maintained a Top-Secret security clearance and regularly provided testimony in support of federal prosecutions.
Sorensen’s foundation in correctional leadership was built during his tenure at USP Canaan, where he served as both an Emergency Preparedness Officer and Lieutenant. He was responsible for developing and implementing emergency response procedures, leading crisis management teams, and training over 200 correctional staff in institutional security and disturbance response. His leadership contributed to the successful execution of high-risk operations with zero staff injuries and the advancement of regional crisis management training programs.
In addition to his federal service, Sorensen is an active leader within the National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA), serving as the Corrections Section Chair and one of the primary Less Lethal Cadre Instructors. He is a nationally recognized instructor, delivering expert training on less-lethal technologies, chemical agents, and tactical response strategies to law enforcement professionals across the country. With over 2,000 hours of instructional experience, he has taught at national conferences and led dozens of specialized training programs. Sorensen holds multiple advanced certifications, including NTOA Master Instructor credentials, Lead Firearms Instructor, and FBI Law Enforcement Training for Safety and Survival. His contributions to the field have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Bureau of Prisons Northeast Regional Director’s Special Recognition Award. With a career defined by leadership, operational excellence, and a commitment to officer safety, Sorensen continues to contribute to the advancement of law enforcement practices nationwide.
