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Les Nicolles' anti-drone system has proven to be invaluable since it was installed more than seven years ago, Guernsey's Prison Governor has said.
The UK Government has been pressed this week about what it will do in response to drones being used to deliver drugs and weapons to high security prisons across the country.
Among those urging action was Labour MP Grahame Morris who has suggested that the Guernsey anti-drone system should be implemented in all prisons in England and Wales.
"The Prison Officers' Association has been saying for the past five years that the threat of drones destabilises our prisons and poses a massive security risk. Let me draw the Minister's attention to the anti-drone system at HMP Guernsey, which very effectively prevents that threat. Can we expect this new system to be implemented in all prisons in England and Wales?"
Pictured: A Labour MP has suggested that Guernsey's anti-drone system should be implemented in all prisons in England and Wales.
Guernsey Prison Governor John De Carteret said he's been impressed with the local system which has now been in place for nearly a decade.
"The prison skyfence has been a successful deterrent for Guernsey Prison since it was installed in 2017," he said.
"It is still being used by the prison alongside other security precautions aimed at mitigating the risk of illicit items being conveyed into the establishment."
The drone defence system has been triggered intermittently, though not frequently, since 2017.
The virtual forcefield repels drones until they run out of power.
"I would, and have, recommend drone defence systems to other prisons primarily because of the significant risk drones present to the safety and security of the custodial environment," said Mr De Carteret.
"The system was installed as a pre-emptive security consideration due to the then emerging risk of drones to the prison. It was part of a larger security upgrade in Guernsey Prison at that time.
"The costs and continuing costs are commercially sensitive but it is invaluable in terms of proving adequate safety and security."
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