Les Nicolles Prison on Guernsey has installed ‘Sky Fence’, which creates a 600-metre virtual shield around the prison that detects remote-controlled drones. Thus detected, rogue drones are then forced to retreat from the vicinity when sensors – dubbed ‘disruptors’ – block its frequency and control protocols.
The installation of Sky Fence, which emerged from a collaboration between Drone Defence and Eclipse Digital Solutions, is part of a £1.7m security revamp that also includes new surveillance cameras, lighting, fencing and alarms.
Perimeter fencing was provided by Zaun and Harper Chalice and then installed by Binns Fencing.
“Someone described it as the final piece in a prison’s security puzzle.” Richard Gill, CEO, Drone Defence
“This is the first time this technology has been used in any prison anywhere in the world,” said Prisoner governor David Matthews. “I would like to see it adopted in other UK prisons because it has become a significant problem. This is about prevention.”
Drone Defence founder and CEO Richard Gill said: “It disrupts the control network between the flyer and the drone. The drone then activates return to home mode and it will then fly back to the position where it had signal with its flyer.
“Someone described it as the final piece in a prison’s security puzzle. I think it could have a significant worldwide impact.”
Les Nicolles is a small mixed category prison with a capacity of just 139.
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