G4S Academy publishes guidance on detecting and countering drones

The new guidance – published under the heading ‘Detecting and Countering Drone Intrusions’ – is published in two parts. The 14-page Part One covers an introduction to drones and drone technology and reviews the current legislation. Anti-drone technology is also outlined.

In Part Two (which runs to 24 pages), the threat posed by unwanted drones is outlined, as are drone applications and the goals of today’s threat actors. Drone activity mapping, risk analysis and security approaches are all covered in detail, so too drone counter-measures and ‘neutralisation’ technologies.

The rapidly increasing use of drones has created something of a challenge for Governments and regulators alike. In the wrong hands, these devices can be a dangerous weapon capable of causing harm and realising widespread disruption. That said, drone technology also has great potential to help with security regimes when deployed in the right circumstances. 

When opening the door to new possibilities, it’s also possible to open the door to new risks. This is the case with the increasing availability of drones. The technology used for drones is developing rapidly. The latest versions are packed with everything from the highest resolution cameras affording live streaming through to ‘sense and avoid’ technologies designed to ensure that a drone doesn’t fly into various objects along its route.

High demands for legislation

The rapid developments with this technology are setting high demands for accompanying legislation which is now playing catch-up to ensure that new drones and systems are deployed and used in a responsible manner. There continues to be much activity and legislative change. As well as regulating drone usage, these legislative changes will inevitably realise new opportunities for the technology’s deployment.

G4S is currently working on a number of solutions where drones are used, one of which is for the patrolling and supervision of harbour areas and construction sites as well as the supervision and patrolling of larger perimeter areas. 

The company employs drones for inspection tasks tailored to specific customers’ needs and also for logistical tasks, such as the loading of goods, trailers and containers. Further, drone technology is being deployed to address facility management-centric tasks, for alarm patrol response and also to search for missing persons.

There are lots of considerations to be weighed up before an end user takes the decision to purchase a drone (or drones). Is software included, for example? Is it possible to establish a GEOfence? How will the data collected from the drone(s) and camera(s) be stored such that it’s compliant with the General Data Protection Regulation?

Anti-drone technologies

Anti-drone technologies are becoming more readily available and can be helpful in terms of perimeter surveillance and the protection of public buildings and embassies, for instance. Everything from net guns to jamming components are beginning to appear on the market and, that being the case, the challenge is now all about how drones can be operated in a legal way and without any unintended consequences for innocent parties. 

“There’s no doubt that the use of drones for various security-related tasks will develop in the coming years,” explained Steen Sorensen, global director for the G4S Academy. “For its part, G4S is working closely with drone technology to enhance the business’ security offer. We’re also actively assisting our customers by devising specialist solutions for them where and when required.”

*Learn more about the opportunities, risks and considerations in relation to using drones by downloading the G4S Academy guidance here.