Security drones and aerial units - a new avenue to track criminals?

Private security firms are making use of drones (remote-controlled aerial vehicles) to keep watch of homes and properties within Johannesburg. This move is part of a trial run launched in Fourways and rolling out province-wide from August.

Security firms country-wide have reached a consensus. Drones will aid in tracking criminals who make a career out of finding new ways to rob you of your assets.

Eye in the sky

Private use of drones has now been a fad for over a decade. As such, this innovative idea of using them to track criminals in private estates could be a game-changing venture.

Security firms have a particular interest in using aerial technology and innovations thanks to the versatile manoeuvrability of drones. The added benefits will come from having an all-encompassing bird's eye view without the need to traverse through obstacles. A squadron of drones per security fleet operated remotely by a mobile command centre nearby.

These sophisticated aerial units will be equipped with electro-optical (EO) and infrared (IR) sensors. This grants operators access to not only a visual array of the surroundings but also detect heat signatures and light waves regardless of the time of day.

Legal Concerns

The Civil Aviation Act 2009. Governs the laws and regulations that pertain to the use of unmanned aerial vehicles like drones and is concise in its ruling system.

• Drones may not be flown ten kilometres or closer to an airport without special permission from the SACAA (South African Civil Aviation Authority).
• Drones weighing more than seven kilograms may not be flown.
• Drones may not be flown within 50 meters of people or private property.
• Drone pilots need to maintain a visual line of sight with their drones at all times while in flight.
• Drones may only be flown during daylight hours.

These legal regulations have proven to be the first barrier to security companies. They are seeking ways in which to create exceptions for their drones to provide a valuable security service.

To work around these legalities, security companies are devising trial programmes in association with local police stations. The trial programmes will be rolling out in the Northern Johannesburg suburbs to start with.

The rollout should (they believe) prove to be successful in mitigating crime stats and achieving a good public reception. On that basis, security firms will hope to achieve amendments to these rules. Thus making it easier for them to conduct security sweeps with their drones.

CEO of Fidelity, one of the primary drivers in this effort, Wahl Bartmann confirms that the drones will all need to be licensed and approved to fly in each area from each area council.

"We are very excited about the introduction of drone technology in the residential space as an added means to tighten the net for criminals and add a layer of security," says Bartmann.

Implementation and Integration

The envisioned pilot programme will last over two months and will make use of integrated technology, utilising the fibre-connected Vumacam surveillance system already installed in and around various suburbs. These cameras, which are installed in both security estates and suburbs, will be equipped with License Plate Recognition (LPR) technology. The goal of this system is to cross-check verified vehicles of interest (VOI) against criminal databases.

Once the trial has been implemented, run-throughs are proven successful, and once they receive the legal go-ahead, security firms will extend their reach to commercial sectors. All of this is dependent on proper authorisation from the South African Civil Aviation Authority, homeowners, estate governing bodies, and the relevant local authorities.

Pros and cons of security drones to date.

As exciting as this venture may seem. It's not without its flaws. There are multiple factors that need to be considered in order to mark a definite improvement before the project can be hailed a success. Let's take a look at the characteristics of security drones and contrast and compare them through a complete list of pros vs cons.

So, are security drones worth it? Why not leave a comment and let us know what you think about drones flying over your home.
 

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