In the United States and beyond, correctional facilities have been facing a lot of unauthorized drone activity. They are mostly used to smuggle all sorts of contraband into prison, things that pose security concerns. This would include weapons of all sorts, drugs, and cell phones as well. Additionally, there are misuses for these drones where criminal operations such as escaping could take place. This possibly endangers the safety of both staff and the inmates.
Even the government data states that contraband deliveries using drone technology to these correction facilities have surged significantly. This data shows at least a fifty percent increase annually. One case even shows why there is a need for counter-technology. There was a single drone operation that linked forty-nine illegal deliveries that were seized, and its approximate value was about 1.34 million US dollars.
That is why Canada-based leading provider of aerial traffic management software solutions AirMatrix recently designed Libra, a platform for governments and critical infrastructure managers that secures their airspace from drone-based threats. They have a passionate team that helps enable urban areas to reap the benefits of autonomous drone technology. They work closely with regulators, municipalities, enterprises, and partners to make this happen on a daily basis. Now, they are happy to announce that they have been recently stationed at the Homestead Correctional Institution. This correctional facility is a part of The Florida Department of Corrections (FDOC).
So how does AirMatrix’s platform work and aid in these situations?
Libra empowers government agencies and critical infrastructure managers to monitor, manage, and secure their airspace effectively. It seamlessly integrates with the correction facility’s C-UAS technology. By providing precise digital infrastructure, the platform enhances compliance for lawful drone pilots while enabling authorities to neutralize drone-based threats. Libra also offers a unique revenue-generating opportunity for governments by regulating drone takeoffs and landings within their jurisdictions.
Founder and CEO of the company Bashir Khan feels that The Florida Department of Corrections partnership (which is the third-largest state corrections department in the U.S.) is a pivotal milestone in prison security. He further says, “We truly feel privileged to have a part in keeping the correction facilities secure.”
With this successful deployment at Homestead Correctional Institution, AirMatrix is now looking forward to partnering with more federal penitentiaries. Currently, they’re targeting about sixty to seventy facilities and hope to establish Libra as the gold standard in airspace security. “By helping FDOC secure its facilities, we’re setting the stage for a safer future for correctional institutions across Florida,” Khan concludes.
