The University of Louisiana at Monroe says it has bolstered public safety on its campus with the installation of a drone detection system. Dr. Mark Johnson is the Training Director for ULM Police, and he says universities are facing escalating challenges from unauthorized drones, especially during large events, such as academic ceremonies and football games.
“We found one, specifically, inside the stadium, flying during a football game a couple of years ago. He was a 12-year-old kid. And somewhere along the line, you had some parents telling this kid that he could do that,” Johnson said.
The drone detection equipment is mounted atop Malone Stadium; and Dr. Johnson says it gives ULM real-time visibility into its airspace, and officers are alerted immediately when an unauthorized drone flies over campus.
“If one of these things fly, our on-duty officers get an alert in the car, right there; unauthorized drone, where it’s at, where it started, where it’s going and where the operator is,” Johnson explained.
Johnson says a grant from FEMA allowed them to partner with SkySafe, which is known as a global leader in drone detection. He says Sky Safe gives campus police a reliable way to manage drone activity on campus.
“We take safety and security very seriously, and we’re just glad to add this to our arsenal to be able to show our kids and our students and visitors that ULM is a great place to be. C’mon!” Johnson noted.