Drones Threaten Security in Georgia Prisons, Delivering Contraband and Weapons

Georgia‘s Department of Corrections is grappling with an alarming surge in drone-related security breaches at state prisons, according to recent testimony before a state Senate panel. The situation has escalated to the point where drones are suspected of delivering weapons used in violent incidents, reports the Georgia Recorder.

Drone Deliveries and Prison Violence

Department of Corrections Director Tyrone Oliver revealed that an ongoing investigation suggests a drone may have been used to deliver the gun involved in a June murder-suicide at Smith State Prison. This incident resulted in the death of a 24-year-old food service worker.

“Whenever we built the prisons back then, it was conducive to the population that we were potentially housing then, not now, so that’s one of the reasons why we have to harden it,” Oliver explained.

Staggering Statistics

The scale of the problem is evident in the numbers:

• 430 drone reports in a one-year period ending June 2023
• 69 staff members, 204 inmates, and 554 civilians arrested
• Nearly 15,000 cell phones confiscated, double the 2019 figure

Infrastructure and Staffing Challenges

The aging prison infrastructure is exacerbating the problem. Oliver stated, “The majority of our Contraband that gets retrieved is due to our aging infrastructure. Sometimes they pop out of the locks, they go through the pipe chases, get up on the roof of the prison and retrieve the contraband.”

Staffing levels were also discussed, with Sen. Kim Jackson questioning whether understaffing contributes to the security issues.

Efforts to Combat the Issue

The Georgia Department of Corrections is taking steps to address these challenges:

1. Increased budget for capital maintenance
2. More frequent “jail shakedowns” (287 in 2023 compared to 70 in 2019)
3. Random searches for contraband

DroneXL’s Take

The use of drones to breach prison security in Georgia highlights a growing concern in the Drone Industry. While drones are often used for positive applications, this situation underscores the need for robust counter-drone measures in sensitive areas. As Drone Technology advances, it’s crucial for security protocols to evolve in tandem, ensuring that the benefits of drones don’t come at the cost of public safety.

What are your thoughts on the use of drones for illegal activities in prisons? Share your opinion in the comments below.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Photo courtesy of Georgia Recorder