How Drones Can Improve Prison Operations

Background

The rapid development of drone technology has significantly transformed various industries, including security and surveillance. One of the most notable advancements is the capability of drones to operate Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS). This capability allows drones to fly beyond the operator's line of sight, enabling long-range operations that were previously not possible. BVLOS technology has become a preferred method for prison inspections due to its ability to cover large areas such as prisons both efficiently and effectively.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been working to expand BVLOS operations, recognizing their potential to revolutionize commercial and public safety applications.

BVLOS Drones in Prison Security

In the context of prison security, BVLOS drones offer several advantages:

1. Enhanced Day & Night Surveillance: BVLOS drones can patrol extensive prison perimeters without the need for human intervention, providing continuous monitoring and reducing the risk of security breaches[3].
2. Rapid Response to Incoming Threats: These drones can quickly respond to potential threats or suspicious activities, relaying real-time data to security personnel for immediate action. This includes activities such as unauthorized drone flights near the prison and to rapidly deploying drones to cover large areas surrounding prisons in cases where breaks outs occur.
3. Cost Efficiency: By reducing the need for extensive human patrols and stationary surveillance equipment, BVLOS drones can lower operational costs while maintaining high security standards.

Case Study 1 – The Nevada Prison?

The Nevada prison project represents a significant shift in how correctional facilities are addressing security and staffing challenges through the use of drone technology. This initiative is driven by severe staffing shortages and the need for innovative solutions to maintain security and operational efficiency in the state's prisons.

Background and Motivation

Nevada has been facing extreme staffing shortages in its prison system, exacerbated by factors such as low pay, difficult working conditions, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. These challenges have led to a high vacancy rate among corrections officers, making it difficult to maintain adequate security and services within the facilities.?In response, Nevada is exploring the deployment of drones to patrol prison perimeters and assist with various security functions.

The "Overwatch" Platform

The proposed drone-based security system, known as "Overwatch," aims to create a central command center where a single operator can monitor live video feeds from drones patrolling the prison perimeter. This system is designed to "fill in the blanks" where human staffing is insufficient, allowing for rapid response to emergencies and potential escape attempts.

Implementation and Challenges

Nevada prison officials have already begun moving forward with purchasing some of the necessary equipment for the drone system. However, there are concerns about the lack of detailed cost estimates and the need for legislative approval for any budget increases. The project underscores the urgent need for new approaches to prison security, given the national trend of staffing shortages in correctional facilities

Case Summary

The implementation of BVLOS drones in Nevada's correctional facilities has demonstrated their effectiveness in enhancing perimeter security. These drones are equipped with AI and thermal imaging, allowing for rapid threat detection and response.

Strix Drones (www.strixdrones,com) develops universal drone docking stations that allow drones to be stored and maintained safely all-year-around ?in a ready state for any scheduled or ad-hoc mission.

Case Study 2 – Countering the Smuggling Problem?

The use of drones for smuggling contraband into prisons has become a significant concern.

Background and Motivation

Integrated counter-drone technology is designed to increase prison security by detecting and tracking drones, locating their operators, and mitigating potential threats. The system operates autonomously, providing a 24/7 solution that does not require real-time decision-making when drones enter the no-fly-zone perimeter defined by the prison.

Implementation and Challenges

This technology can be seamlessly integrated with existing security systems, enhancing the overall security infrastructure of correctional facilities. Sentrycs Technology has developed a sophisticated counter-drone solution that addresses the growing threat of unauthorized drone activities, particularly in sensitive environments such as prisons, military bases, and critical infrastructure. Their technology is designed to detect, track, identify, and mitigate unauthorized drones, providing a comprehensive solution to enhance security and operational efficiency.

Overview of Sentrycs Technology

Sentrycs is a leader in adaptive counter-drone solutions, utilizing innovative cyber-based radio frequency (RF) technology. The company's systems are capable of passively detecting drones, tracking their movements, identifying their model and serial number, and distinguishing between friendly and hostile drones. Once a drone is classified as a threat, the system can neutralize it by safely landing it in a predefined zone or sending it back to its home location.

Strix Drones (www.strixdrones,com) develops counter Drone technologies based on interception drones that launch automatically from dedicated drone-hives and rapidly fly in aim to crash into incoming drones.

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Summary

Drones can offer significant advantages for prison inspections, such as enhanced surveillance capabilities and rapid deployment for irregular cases of prison escape or to counter illegal drone flights. The key to maximizing the potential of drones in correctional facilities lies in the willingness of prison operators to explore this innovative technology, allocate resources for training and realizing the operational benefits over time.

About Strix Drones Ltd.

Strix Drones Solutions for Inspection & Counter Drone Solutions. The full line of products includes Universal Drone Docking Stations, Counter Drone Hives and Drone Inspection solutions for permitter inspection.

The Author

The Author of this article is Ian Sorek , business analyst & business development head of Strix Drones

Contact Strix

United States Office

• Address: 11125 Yankee St A, Dayton, OH 45458, United States
• Email:?[email protected]
• Phone: (301) 633-2006

Israel Office

• Address: Hanagar Street 6, Hod Hasharon, Israel
• Email:?[email protected]
• Phone: +972 546218712

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Citations

[1] https://uavcoach.com/drone-news-roundup-bvlos-rule/

[2] https://scopito.com/bvlos-long-range-drone-inspection-operations/

[3] https://sentrycs.com/the-counter-drone-blog/drone-protection-for-prisons/

[4] https://www.airsight.com/remote-id-and-bvlos-uas-operations

[5] https://www.airsight.com/blog/beyond-visual-line-of-sight-bvlos-uas-operations-and-the-future-of-drone