The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office launched its new Drone-as-First-Responder system on March 19 to counter contraband issues at the Fulton County Jail on Rice Street.
The new drone system is a first-of-its-kind program designed to strengthen security at the Rice Street jail, according to the sheriff’s office. The announcement says it’s possible through a public-private partnership with the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office Foundation and Flock Safety.
Sheriff’s Office data shows that for more than six months last year, there were nearly 300 unauthorized drone flights in the airspace of the Fulton County Jail. Contraband entering jails and prisons via drone has been an ongoing problem for law enforcement agencies.
‘Historic’ drone security at jail
Fulton County and its sheriff’s office entered into the consent decree in January 2025, requiring the county to protect inmates from violence and house them in sanitary conditions. Remaining issues include gang activity, inadequate staff training, and a lack of inmate supervision.
In a recent report, the monitor highlighted that contraband is being introduced to the facility by unauthorized drones. The sheriff’s new drone rests in an automated dock on the roof of the jail, where it can reach anywhere within a four-mile radius in an average response time of 85 seconds.
“The [Flock Aerodome] DFR system will enhance situational awareness by providing real-time aerial intelligence,” the release said. “This capability strengthens perimeter security and reduces risk to both our team staff and those in custody.”
Flock Safety’s integrated platform of automated license-plate readers and security technology is used by more than 12,000 customers nationwide, including cities, towns, counties, and businesses.
Garrett Langley, CEO and founder of Flock Safety, said he’s excited to get the first-of-its-kind program kicked off in the company’s own backyard of Atlanta.
At the conclusion of the briefing, attendees, including Sheriff’s Office Foundation Chair Ken Ashley, went to the roof of the jail to observe a live launch and docking of the drone.
Sheriff Patrick Labat said the partnership is an opportunity to strengthen jail security and modernize how his agency protects its facility and the surrounding community.
“I want to thank Flock Safety and the Sheriff’s Foundation for their support in bringing this vision to life,” Labat said. “Initiatives like this make us safer today and position us to be better tomorrow.”