SC plans to use drones to remotely watch inmates

By Corrections1 Staff

COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina corrections officials announced that drones will be used to monitor inmates in its correctional facilities.

On Thursday, State Corrections Director Bryan Stirling revealed the drones that can be used to monitor a prison and the area outside, where contraband can be launched over walls, the Associated Press reported. Stirling said South Carolina is the first state in the nation to use drones in this way.

The drones will be used to monitor some of the state’s 21 prisons and will allow additional eyes
on facilities while not being on site.

Lawmakers passed a ban this year preventing private drones from flying over the state’s prisons. Criminals were using drones to drop contraband over the fence at several facilities.