Safety/Private Security: Applications and Advantages of Drones

Introduction :

The fundamental concepts of safety and security play a crucial role in maintaining order and balance within a society. Before exploring the role of drones in these areas, it is essential to understand the distinction between safety and security, as well as that between the public and private spheres.

The difference between safety and security :

Safety concerns protection against man-made threats, while security encompasses protection against a wider range of risks, including accidents and natural disasters.

Public vs. private safety/security :

Public safety/security and private safety/security are two distinct concepts that refer to different areas of protection and prevention.

The former focuses on the protection of citizens and public property, while private safety/security encompasses guarding services without the power to intervene, as well as more comprehensive security solutions.

These private companies offer a wide range of services, from surveillance and asset protection to access management and IT security.

These solutions are tailored to the customer's risk management needs. Private safety and security services are generally requested by VIP (Very Important Person) individuals, companies, institutions, or other entities seeking to enhance their security beyond the capabilities of public services.

Drones for Safety and Private Security

Thanks to these technological advances, drones are emerging as essential tools in the safety and private security sector.

Since their flight evolution can be discreet, they offer innovative and effective solutions, redefining the way in which safety and security are managed, notably through the recording of evidence via this vector.

1- Perimeter monitoring :

As part of perimeter surveillance, drones offer a proactive solution for protecting sensitive areas such as industrial sites and critical infrastructures. This method involves tracking and securing the defined boundaries of a specific area, be it a property, an industrial site, or a sensitive infrastructure.

They are equipped with various specialized sensors to ensure effective intrusion detection, such as :

• High-resolution cameras (day or night) Capture detailed images in both daylight and twilight conditions for precise visual surveillance of predefined boundaries;
• Thermal Camera Able to operate at night, it detects temperature variations, allowing rapid detection of intruders even in the dark;

• Biometric/tracking systems In the form of AI integrated into the firmware, they enable recognition of humans, cars and even boats, boosting intrusion detection capability.

Equipped in this way, they carry out methodical patrols along these boundaries, providing a detailed aerial view for rapid detection of any anomalies. This approach proves particularly effective when used in conjunction with existing ground equipment, providing continuous coverage and rapid response capability in the event of an incident.

Examples of relevant industrial sites:

• Oil and gas installations Surveillance of vast perimeters and detection of intrusions to ensure the safety of installations.
• Industrial and Chemical Complexes Aerial patrol for rapid detection of chemical leaks and remote equipment inspection.
• Power plants Boundary monitoring to prevent intrusions and ensure plant safety.
• Port and airport facilities Patrols along fences to detect suspicious activity and reinforce security.

2- Virtual patrols :

Drones have become key players in the implementation of so-called virtual patrols, i.e. without a permanent human presence in the area to be monitored, helping to reduce the costs associated with ground-based security teams. Thanks to their agility and ability to cover vast areas in a short space of time and with autonomy, drones reinforce the presence of security teams by being equipped with the following features:

• High-resolution day and night cameras Guarantee constant visual coverage, even in low-light conditions;
• Thermal Camera Operating in the invisible spectrum, it detects temperature variations and complements the high-resolution camera;
• Lidar A system for measuring the distance to a particular point and its precise coordinates.

This combination of sensors ensures an effective security presence while minimizing operational costs. Virtual patrols can be strategically planned, enabling drones to monitor specific areas at predetermined times. This approach offers considerable operational flexibility, enabling coverage to be rapidly adapted to specific needs.

Examples of relevant industrial sites:

• Research and Development sites Aerial surveillance to protect sensitive facilities and technologies.
• Industrial Parks and Manufacturing Zones : Virtual patrol to enhance security in complex, high-risk industrial areas Seveso.

3- Crisis management :

In the event of an incident, drones are invaluable tools for crisis management. They provide a real-time aerial view, enabling rapid assessment of the situation. While the same sensors are used for virtual patrols, a drone can also be equipped with gas and pollutant sensorsessential for monitoring air quality in emergency situations.

This global perspective helps crisis management teams to make informed decisions and effectively coordinate the necessary response. Drones can be rapidly deployed to obtain a comprehensive overview of affected areas, assessing damage, identifying access points and guiding response teams to critical areas. This significantly improves emergency response capability.

Examples of relevant industrial sites:

• Industrial Parks and Manufacturing Zones Risk and situation assessment in the event of an incident at a complex, high-risk industrial site Seveso.

Telecommunications infrastructure Use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to monitor telecoms antenna sites and ensure that equipment is working properly.

4- Flying over inaccessible areas :

Drones are specially adapted to access hard-to-reach areas, such as rooftops or rough terrain, offering unrivalled inspection capability, whether for critical installations or to identify potential hazards. Here too, the use of cameras and detection systems makes sense:

• High-resolution cameras They guarantee detailed inspections of critical installations;
• Thermal Camera It detects temperature variations, useful for identifying hot spots or heat sources in inaccessible areas;
• Biometric/tracking systems Useful for identifying people in restricted areas;
• Gas and Pollutant Sensors Drones can monitor pollutant levels in hard-to-reach areas.

The use of drones to fly over inaccessible areas enables detailed assessment without endangering personnel. These aerial inspections provide accurate data for safety planning and risk management, helping to maintain safe, compliant environments.

Examples of relevant industrial sites:

• Sensitive storage sitesoil rigs can also be included,
• Port and airport facilities.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the use of drones in the private safety and security sector offers significant benefits, from proactive surveillance to crisis management. These emerging technologies play a crucial role in improving security, offering effective and scalable solutions to contemporary challenges. With the right integration, drones will continue to be essential allies in preserving safety and security.

FAQ

• What advantages do drones offer in the private safety and security sector?

Drones provide effective surveillance, reduced operating costs and rapid response to incidents.

• How can drones be used for perimeter surveillance of sensitive sites?

Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras, thermal imaging cameras and biometric/tracking systems can patrol along predefined boundaries, detecting any activity or intrusion.

• What types of sensors are used on private security drones?

Drones can be equipped with high-resolution cameras (day and night), thermal imaging cameras, biometric/tracking systems, gas and pollutant sensors, and motion sensors.

1. How do drones contribute to crisis management in the private security sector?

By providing a real-time aerial view, drones facilitate rapid assessment of the situation, enabling efficient coordination of responses in the event of an incident.

• What are the advantages of virtual drone patrols?

Virtual drone patrols reduce the cost of ground-based security teams, cover large areas in a short time, and reinforce the security presence without the need for a constant physical presence.

• Can drones be used to fly over inaccessible areas in the private security sector?

Thanks to their flight envelopes, drones can access hard-to-reach areas, such as rooftops or rough terrain, to carry out detailed inspections and identify potential hazards.

• What are the industrial sectors where the use of drones is particularly relevant to private security?

Sectors include telecommunications infrastructures, sensitive storage sites, and port and airport facilities.

How can drones contribute to the safety of sensitive storage sites?

Drones can carry out aerial inspections to prevent theft or intrusions into sensitive storage sites.

• What kind of operational flexibility is offered by virtual patrols planned by drones?

Virtual patrols can be strategically planned, enabling drones to monitor specific areas at predetermined times, offering considerable operational flexibility.

• What are the potential challenges associated with the use of drones in private security, and how can they be overcome?

Challenges can include regulations, data confidentiality, and staff training. Overcome them by staying abreast of regulations, implementing confidentiality protocols, and regularly training staff.