How Milledgeville police detect drone activity near state prison

Police say drones and K-9 units play a key role in detecting illegal activity near prisons.

MILLEDGEVILLE, Georgia, (41NBC/WMGT) – Just after 2 a.m. on New Year’s Day, Milledgeville police were investigating a suspicious vehicle near Baldwin State Prison when they heard a drone overhead.

“When I arrived on scene, I heard what sounded like a drone in the air,” said Aaron Lewis, a K-9 handler with the Milledgeville Police Department. “I looked up and saw it landing in a field next to where I was standing.”

Officers then deployed their own drone and K-9 unit to search for suspects in the area. Police say they’ve intercepted several drones over the past month, and their drone program goes beyond making arrests.

“We have four drones,” Sgt. Brandon Crawford said. “We have an operator for each shift. We operate 365 days a year. It’s not just for apprehension. We can locate missing persons, children who’ve walked off from their home, and help the entire community.”

Major Linc Boyer says contraband drops don’t just affect prisons, but also the surrounding community.

“A lot of people think when something’s happening inside the prison, it doesn’t affect what goes on outside of the prison, and that couldn’t be more false,” Boyer said.

Boyer also said most drone-related incidents are reported by citizens or prison staff.

“Nine times out of 10, when they come out, a citizen is the one who calls us and gives us the tip,” he said. “They hear a drone, they see a drone. Prison staff will say they’ve seen a drone or a suspicious vehicle passing by, and 99 percent of these cases, that’s how we’re tipped off.”

He has a clear message for anyone considering using drones for illegal activity.

“If you come to Milledgeville and you fly a drone at one of our prisons, you’re going to jail,” he said.

Three people were arrested in connection with the New Year’s night incident. Police say the investigation is ongoing, and additional charges could follow.