Corrections_Today_Fall_2024_Vol.86_No.3

R ecently in Georgia, Operation Skyhawk dismantled what is believed to be the largest smuggling operation within the state’s correctional system. Law enforcement arrested 1,506 individuals linked to the operation, intercepted $7 million worth of contraband (including 51 pounds of suspected Ecstasy), and seized 50 drones used to smuggle said contraband into prisons. Advances in drone technology have ushered in a new wave of innovation and efficiency to various sectors. But for corrections, this progress has a darker side. Unau thorized drones have rapidly evolved into a burgeoning security and safety threat. Their ability to bypass tra ditional security measures to deliver dangerous drugs, weapons and other forms of contraband poses greater challenges for administration. Drones’ deadly consequences Consumer drones now boast capabilities that were unfathomable a decade ago. Newer, more advanced models can easily deliver up to 6 kg of contraband—the equivalent of 12,000 fentanyl pills — directly into the hands of incarcerated individuals. A single drone was recently discovered making 23 drops across two months above a U.S. federal prison. Extrapolated, that’s a potential 828 kg (approximately 1,825 pounds) of contraband making it over your prison’s walls in a year. Such capacity dramatically increases the frequency, quantity and potential lethality of contraband drugs, destabilizing already volatile prison environments, triggering violence, unrest, overdoses and deaths. Drug-related deaths in state prisons have surged by a staggering 623% over the last two decades. California state prison correctional staff estimate there are — conservative ly speaking —nine overdose incidents per month across the state prison system. These incidents, primarily fueled by fentanyl and other drugs delivered by drone, exact a heavy toll on not just human lives, but also time and resources. Each incident incurs costs upwards of $24,000 for ambu lance services, hospital and prison care and overtime for nurses and officers. Additional investments in prevention, rehabilitation and law enforcement efforts pile further pres sure on prison budgets already stretched to their brink. U.S. Attorney Chad Meacham of the Northern Dis trict of Texas succinctly encapsulated the challenges

ahead of prison officials in August 2022, stating, “Con traband drone deliveries are quickly becoming the bane of prison officials’ existence.” Regaining control of prison airspace Addressing drone threats necessitates a multifaceted approach, starting with training and preparing the cor rectional staff who will play a pivotal role. Regular drills, combined with education on the latest counter-drone measures, can help these staff members effectively inter cept and address these aerial intrusions. At the same time, legal frameworks must evolve to keep pace with technology. Stricter regulations governing the use of drones near correctional facilities, coupled with sig nificant penalties for violations, can serve as a deterrent.

“A single drone was recently discovered making 23 drops across two months above a U.S. federal prison.”

Correctional facilities should also invest in enhanc ing drone detection capabilities. Early identification of drones as they approach correctional facilities will provide a critical first line of defense. This could look like investments in detection systems and software, particu larly those which can distinguish authorized security drones from unauthorized intruders. Cloud-based drone detection solutions offer substan tial advantages to enhance correctional security. Their always-online nature ensures it’s always up to date, negating the need for disruptive downtime associated with maintenance or upgrades. Their seamless integra tion into existing security frameworks allows corrections staff to be more efficient and effective in their roles. By harnessing the power of real-time data and advanced analytics, staff can not only detect drones with greater accuracy but also track the trajectory and possible origin points of these drones. →

Fall 2024 | Corrections Today

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