The Tech Policy Institute’s newest practitioner brief, “Dark Skies: Criminal Drone Operations Targeting Prisons,” by Jack Venables, documents how organized crime is exploiting off-the-shelf drones to smuggle contraband, disrupt prison operations, and erode custodial security across the UK. The report details escalating tactics (including swarming and heavier payloads), pinpoints legislative and resource gaps, and outlines pragmatic counter-UAS steps—from stronger protected-airspace enforcement to regional trigger plans and procurement guided by operational specialists—to protect the prison estate and public safety.

Full report here.