Officials Say It Would Prevent Delivery Of Contraband Into Correctional Facilities By Small UAVs

The Vermont House has a bill under consideration that would restrict the use of UAVs near the state's correctional facilities.

The Burlington Free Press reports that, according to Vermont Department of Corrections Deputy Commissioner Mike Touchette, the law if passed could help prevent drones from being used to deliver contraband items into prisons, as well as limiting observation of prison security practices.

Touchette said drones have been observed on several occasions flying near the Southern State Correctional Facility in Springfield, but he is not sure why those flights have taken place. He did stress that none of the contraband found in the prison has been directly connected to any drone operation, but he wants the state to be proactive in preventing any such deliveries.

The bill as introduced in the State House would prevent drone flights within 500 horizontal feet and 400 vertical feet of a corrections facility. There would be exemptions for drones operated by law enforcement officials, or a private operator who has the permission of the supervising officer of a correctional facility.

The bill, H.615 has been referred to the House Committee on Corrections and Institutions.

(Image from file)

FMI: Original report