By David Cameron, field engineer and DFR lead, MatrixSpace
In the ever-evolving landscape of prison security, the advent of drone technology has introduced new challenges. Prisons have traditionally relied on a combination of physical barriers, such as fences and walls, along with manned patrols and electronic surveillance systems including CCTV cameras and motion sensors. While the focus has been on ground-level threats, current CCTV and motion sensors are limited in scope and have proven to be less effective against aerial incursions by drones.
The problem with drones is multifaceted. These small, uncrewed aerial vehicles can easily bypass physical barriers and often fly outside the capabilities of conventional electronic surveillance systems. Moreover, their ability to be remotely operated from a distance or fly flying dark (not broadcasting a radio signal) and in the dark in a preprogrammed mission, adds another layer of complexity to their detection and interception. As a result, prisons have been vulnerable to drones used for smuggling contraband, including drugs, weapons, and communication devices, directly compromising the facility’s security and integrity.
For a long time, the use of radar technology as a counter measure was not feasible for most prison environments. Traditional radar systems, designed primarily for military and aviation purposes, were large, expensive, and power-hungry. They were engineered to detect large, fast-moving objects like aircraft, making them overkill for small, slow-moving drones. Furthermore, the cost and complexity of these systems were prohibitive for the budget and infrastructure constraints of most correctional facilities.
But the landscape of drone detection is changing, thanks to companies like MatrixSpace, where we introduced a radar system that aligns perfectly with the needs and constraints of prison environments. It is low in terms of cost, size, weight, and power needs (SWAP), making it an accessible and practical solution for prison security and in particular, drone detection.
New radar technology is a game-changer. First, it’s designed to detect small, slow-moving objects like drones, filling a critical gap in traditional radar capabilities. Secondly, it can also detect ground targets, such as persons or vehicles, approaching a prison perimeter. And finally, the portability and low power requirements make it suitable for prisons. These new radar systems can be deployed and operated continuously around the prison perimeter without the burden of high energy costs or complex installation processes and typically do not require the specialist training associated with radar technologies. This adaptability is crucial for maintaining a constant and vigilant watch over the sprawling and often remote areas that prisons encompass. In effect, it digitizes the outdoors for object detection tracking.
The integration of MatrixSpace Radar into existing prison security setups marks a significant step forward. When combined with traditional surveillance methods, this technology creates a comprehensive security network. This integration not only enhances the detection of aerial threats but also adds a new dimension to overall surveillance capabilities, covering both the sky and the ground to ensure a higher level of safety and security for both inmates and staff. This technological leap paves the way for a new era in correctional facility surveillance, where the sky is no longer a blind spot in the security apparatus.
To learn more visit Drone Detection, Public Safety and Critical Infrastructure.
David Cameron, Field Services Engineer and Lead UAS Pilot, MatrixSpace
David brings 33 years of service with the City of Campbell Police Department, where he held a variety of critical roles, most recently leading the department’s DFR (drone as first responder) operations. He remains a Reserve Officer.
As Field Services Engineer and lead UAS Pilot at MatrixSpace he drives the UAS-oriented solutions for this advanced radar company, which is revolutionizing radar applications across diverse industries.