Today the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office announced the launch of a Drone-as-First
Responder (DFR) system to assist with security and counter contraband issues at the Fulton County Jail.
The technology deployment is made possible through a public-private partnership between the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, the Fulton County Sherriff’s Foundation, and Flock Safety. In collaboration with Flock, this is a first of its kind in the nation DFR program designed to strengthen security at a jail facility.
The drone will be housed in automated dock on the roof of the jail, ready to be deployed at a moment’s notice. The Flock Aerodome™ DFR system can reach anywhere within a 4-mile radius with an average response time of 85 seconds. Data shows that for more than six months of last year, there were nearly 300 unauthorized drone flights in the airspace of the Fulton County Jail. Contraband entering the jail has been an ongoing concern. In
fact, the federal monitors highlighted in their report that contraband is being introduced to the facility by drones.
The DFR system will enhance situational awareness by providing real-time aerial intelligence. This capability strengthens perimeter security and reduces risk to both our team staff and those in custody.
“This partnership reflects a forward-looking opportunity to strengthen jail security and modernize how we protect both our facility and the surrounding community,” said Sheriff Patrick “Pat” Labat. “I want to thank Flock Safety and the Sheriff’s Foundation for their support in bringing this vision to life. Initiatives like this make us safer today and position us to be better tomorrow.”
“The Sheriff’s Foundation serves as the bridge between innovation and implementation,” stated Ken Ashley, Chairman of the Fulton County Sheriff’s Foundation. “This exciting initiative represents what is possible when public and private sectors work together for a common purpose.”
“We are incredibly proud to support Sheriff Labat and the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office in this first-of-its-kind program for streamlined, safer automated jail security,” said Garrett Langley, CEO and Founder of Flock Safety. “It is only fitting that this revolutionary program is kicking off in our own backyard of Atlanta, and we look forward to seeing the program’s success and expansion over the coming years.”
At the conclusion of the briefing, attendees went to the roof of the jail to observe a live launch and dock of the drone.
