{"id":2440,"date":"2025-04-22T14:35:53","date_gmt":"2025-04-22T14:35:53","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/softnary.com\/?p=2440"},"modified":"2025-04-23T08:55:26","modified_gmt":"2025-04-23T08:55:26","slug":"high-tech-82ft-laser-shield-could-stop-drones-being-flown-into-british-prisons","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/softnary.com\/index.php\/2025\/04\/22\/high-tech-82ft-laser-shield-could-stop-drones-being-flown-into-british-prisons\/","title":{"rendered":"High-tech 82ft laser shield could stop drones being flown into British prisons"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n\t\t\"Caption:\t<\/div>
A laser detection system is being put forward as a defence against drones being used to smuggle contraband into British prisons (Picture: GJD Manufacturing\/file images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A laser screen is being used to stop escapes from a secure mental health<\/a> facility in what may be a precursor to the device\u2019s use at UK prisons. <\/a><\/p>\n

The British-made technology allows the operators to detect and pinpoint a person scaling a wall or where a drone has landed at a jail. \u00a0<\/p>\n

Detector equipment company GJD has installed the \u2018laser shield\u2019 at the facility in North Yorkshire and is deploying it at a new prison in the US<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The system\u00a0creates a \u2018virtual curtain\u2019 of up to 25 metres (82ft) and can be positioned horizontally or vertically to secure windows or courtyards.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The use of\u00a0drones <\/a>to smuggle drugs, phones, weapons and other contraband into jails has been described as a \u2018threat to national security\u2019<\/a> by an inspector.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t{“@context”:”https:\/\/schema.org”,”@type”:”VideoObject”,”name”:”Metro.co.uk”,”duration”:”T14S”,”thumbnailUrl”:”https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2025\/04\/22\/12\/97551643-0-image-a-13_1745322222585.jpg”,”uploadDate”:”2025-04-22T12:43:53+0100″,”description”:”A laser screen is being used to stop escapes from a UK mental health facility in what may be a precursor to the use of the technology at prisons.nnThe defensive shield allows the operators to detect and pinpoint exactly where a person is trying to escape from or where a drone has landed at a jail.”,”contentUrl”:”https:\/\/videos.metro.co.uk\/video\/met\/2025\/04\/22\/1275358345178628074\/480x270_MP4_1275358345178628074.mp4″,”height”:270,”width”:480}<\/p>\n

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class=\"metro-related-video-carousel__related-video-placeholder-thumbnail\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"metro-related-video-carousel__related-video-placeholder-headline\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span><\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span><\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span><\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"metro-related-video-carousel__related-video-placeholder\">\n<div class=\"metro-related-video-carousel__related-video-placeholder-thumbnail\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"metro-related-video-carousel__related-video-placeholder-headline\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span><\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span><\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span><\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>\t\t\twindow.addEventListener(‘metroVideo:relatedVideosCarouselLoaded’, function(data) {<br \/>\n\t\t\t\tif (typeof(data.detail) === ‘undefined’ || typeof(data.detail.carousel) === ‘undefined’ || typeof(data.detail.carousel.el_) === ‘undefined’) {<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\treturn;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t}<br \/>\n\t\t\t\tvar player = data.detail.carousel.el_;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\tvar container = player.closest(‘.metro-video-player’);<br \/>\n\t\t\t\tvar placeholder = container.querySelector(‘.metro-video-player__up-next-placeholder’);<br \/>\n\t\t\t\tcontainer.removeChild(placeholder);<br \/>\n\t\t\t\tcontainer.classList.add(‘metro-video-player–related-videos-loaded’);<br \/>\n\t\t\t});<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>In January, the Chief Inspector of Prisons, Charlie Taylor, called for urgent action to tackle drones\u00a0being flown into high-security facilities\u00a0holding some of the country\u2019s most dangerous prisoners, including terrorists and organised crime bosses. \u00a0<\/p>\n<p>His report was followed by an exclusive interview in the<strong> Metro <\/strong>where an ex-prison officer <a href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2025\/04\/17\/prison-officers-attacked-with-boiling-urine-in-uks-most-violent-units-22923786\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2025\/04\/17\/prison-officers-attacked-with-boiling-urine-in-uks-most-violent-units-22923786\/\">told how he had been punched, kicked and had a kettle filled with boiling urine thrown over him <\/a>while working at<a href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2023\/06\/28\/prisoners-taking-bounties-to-carry-out-attacks-at-frankland-jail-19014406\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2023\/06\/28\/prisoners-taking-bounties-to-carry-out-attacks-at-frankland-jail-19014406\/\"> HMP Frankland.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>GJD\u2019s Stephen Jordan, a security industry veteran with more than 20 years\u2019 experience, said: \u2018We have seen in the reports that netting isn\u2019t preventing drones from getting through, and it seems strange that the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) wants to continue with this strategy.<\/p>\n<p>\u2018GJD believes that having a laser system that can notify the security team when and where a drone has penetrated, allowing the team to seize the contraband as soon as it comes into the prison before it is given the chance to be distributed to inmates, is a far better solution.\u2019\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure class=\"img-container shareable-item wp-caption\">\n<div class=\"img-wrap\">\n\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"646\" height=\"431\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"article-image wp-image-22633527 lazyload\" loading=\"lazy\" data-src=\"http:\/\/softnary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/SEI_190809846-6f6b.jpg\">\t<\/div><figcaption>A drone hovering above Guernsey prison (Picture: Guernsey Press\/SWNS)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Jordan added that the company \u2018have examples from across the globe of our D-TECT Laser solving the problems that the UK prison service is experiencing.\u2019<\/p>\n<p>The laser system is currently being incorporated into the US correctional facility\u00a0and GJD expects it to pick up traction at other jails across the world after 12-18 months. \u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Existing uses include the mental health facility, which had issues with contraband being thrown in and patients trying to climb out, and at sites requiring an armed response.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"img-container shareable-item wp-caption\">\n<div class=\"img-wrap\">\n\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"646\" height=\"362\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"article-image wp-image-22951619 lazyload\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" data-src=\"http:\/\/softnary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Screenshot-2024-08-15-at-10.52.52-82f9.png\">\t<\/div><figcaption>The D-TECT Laser can detect drones bringing contraband into prisons via inmates\u2019 windows (Picture: GJD Manufacturing)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The system, which is accurate to within 10cm,\u00a0is being used to create an invisible \u2018virtual ceiling\u2019 without patients at the unnamed hospital feeling like they are being trapped under netting. \u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Ben Lea, GJD\u2019s sales manager for the North, Scotland and Ireland, told <strong>Metro:<\/strong> \u2018There are\u00a0LiDAR [light detection and ranging] and radar systems out there but the technology is very expensive and it can only be used in certain places and not others. \u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u2018The D-TECT is unique; it\u2019s like a\u00a0shield of laser glass which can be mounted horizontally or vertically to protect rooftops, balconies, perimeters, skylights and even paintings which can be targeted by thieves and protestors who want to vandalise priceless works of art.\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure class=\"img-container shareable-item wp-caption\">\n<div class=\"img-wrap\">\n\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"646\" height=\"484\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"article-image wp-image-22919483 lazyload\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" data-src=\"http:\/\/softnary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Burned-window-at-HMP-Manchester-0342.jpg\">\t<\/div><figcaption>A window at HMP Manchester that was burned through by inmates within a couple of days of being installed (Picture: HM Inspectorate of Prisons)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\u2018The laser curtain\u00a0can be\u00a0as high as 25 metres and while you can walk around it the second you try and go through it you will be detected. <\/p>\n<p>\u2018At the highly secure mental health facility it is being used to check if anyone is trying to escape from an open courtyard and garden area without the need to install railings or netting. \u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u2018The D-TECT is also being used in a lot of other high-security areas protecting valuable assets and property. <\/p>\n<p>\u2018Two of the places where it\u2019s in use can send an armed response.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u2018In the US we are working with a new prison in Wisconsin where they want to stop drones and projectiles, so we are\u00a0installing the lasers\u00a0to stop the objects\u00a0entering the facility. \u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u2018There is growing demand and once we have the proof of concept from the US we are confident that it will feed back into the UK, Europe and other parts of the world.\u2019\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure class=\"img-container shareable-item wp-caption\">\n<div class=\"img-wrap\">\n\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"646\" height=\"404\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"article-image wp-image-22919335 lazyload\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" data-src=\"http:\/\/softnary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/pri_48470488-08c9.jpg\">\t<\/div><figcaption>An aerial view of HMP Manchester where drone payloads have been identified as a problem (Picture: Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The D-TECT was promoted at <a href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2025\/04\/14\/exact-date-china-will-invade-taiwan-revealed-former-british-intelligence-officer-22905606\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2025\/04\/14\/exact-date-china-will-invade-taiwan-revealed-former-british-intelligence-officer-22905606\/\">The Security Event<\/a> at the NEC earlier this month, where GJD told attendees that a new solution is needed because drones \u2018are getting more prevalent and more dangerous as contraband moves from drugs to potentially guns.\u2019\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>In his report concerning Manchester and Long Lartin jails, Mr Taylor found that prisoners at the former were facilitating aerial drops by burning holes in \u2018supposedly secure\u2019 windows.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>He concluded that this \u2018had the potential to lead to serious disruption and potential escape.\u2019 \u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The inspector said: \u2018It is highly alarming that the police and prison service have, in effect, ceded the airspace above two high-security prisons to organised crime gangs which are able to deliver contraband to jails holding extremely dangerous prisoners including some who have been designated as high-risk category A. The safety of staff, prisoners and ultimately that of the public, is seriously compromised by the failure to tackle what has become a threat to national security.\u2019\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure class=\"img-container shareable-item wp-caption\">\n<div class=\"img-wrap\">\n\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"646\" height=\"423\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"article-image wp-image-22919301 lazyload\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" data-src=\"http:\/\/softnary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/SEI_235861249-8b9f-593c.jpg\">\t<\/div><figcaption>Criminals can direct delivery drones to specific cells (Picture: Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The MoJ said at the time of Mr Taylor\u2019s report that new netting and CCTV were being installed at HMP Manchester. \u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Her Majesty\u2019s Prison and Probation Service invests in countermeasures such as improvements in windows, netting and grilles with the aim of preventing drones from delivering cargo such as drugs and weapons. <\/p>\n<p>Restricted fly zones were introduced around jails 12 months ago, making it an automatic offence to fly drones within 400 metres of any closed prison or young offender institution in England and Wales without permission.<\/p>\n<p>The MoJ maintains that it is working with international partners who are facing the same issues on their jail estates as well as other departments \u2018to develop our learning and share best practice.\u2019<\/p>\n<p>A spokesperson said: \u2018The precise tactics we use to counter drones is operationally sensitive. We\u2019ve created restricted fly zones around prisons, invested in countermeasures and are collaborating with the police to deter, detect and disrupt the illegal use of drones around prisons.\u2019<\/p>\n<p><strong>Do you have a story you would like to share? Contact\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"mailto:josh.layton@metro.co.uk\"><strong>josh.layton@metro.co.uk<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"metro-more-link\"><title>Arrow<\/title><span class=\"mor-link\" data-track-module=\"mor-link_article\">MORE: <a href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/04\/03\/workers-forehead-peeled-off-jugging-top-security-jail-20567786\/?ico=more_text_links\" class=\"\">Worker\u2019s forehead \u2018peeled off\u2019 after \u2018jugging\u2019 at top security jail<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"metro-more-link\"><title>Arrow<\/title><span class=\"mor-link\" data-track-module=\"mor-link_article\">MORE: <a href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/04\/07\/gang-wars-rage-behind-bars-britains-toughest-prison-20585663\/?ico=more_text_links\" class=\"\">Gang wars rage behind bars at \u2018Britain\u2019s toughest prison\u2019<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"metro-more-link\"><title>Arrow<\/title><span class=\"mor-link\" data-track-module=\"mor-link_article\">MORE: <a href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2025\/04\/17\/prison-officers-attacked-with-boiling-urine-in-uks-most-violent-units-22923786\/?ico=more_text_links\" class=\"\">Prison officers \u2018attacked with boiling urine\u2019 in UK\u2019s most violent units<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A laser detection system is being put forward as a defence against drones being used to smuggle contraband into British prisons (Picture: GJD Manufacturing\/file images) A laser screen is being used to stop escapes from a secure mental health facility in what may be a precursor to the device\u2019s use at UK prisons. The British-made […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2442,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2440","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uk"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/softnary.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2440","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/softnary.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/softnary.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/softnary.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/softnary.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2440"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"http:\/\/softnary.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2440\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2449,"href":"http:\/\/softnary.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2440\/revisions\/2449"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/softnary.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2442"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/softnary.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2440"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/softnary.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2440"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/softnary.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2440"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}