In recent years there have been vast developments in the methods by which uncrewed aerial systems can be used for protective security. These advances have the possibility to revolutionise the way security measures are implemented by enhancing situational awareness, reducing response times, and improving overall security practices.
NPSA are working to provide guidance for how UAS can be incorporated into security plans across all sectors from those responsible for the protection of sensitive sites to the safeguarding of crowded places.
While the use of UAS for protective security offers significant advantages, it is essential to acknowledge and address potential risks associated with their deployment. These risks could be site or business specific, such as the introduction of cyber security vulnerabilities, or risks to the public by the inadvertent intrusion onto public spaces. Therefore careful planning, adherence to regulations and robust cybersecurity measures are crucial to mitigate these risks and ensure responsible and effective use of UAS.
There are key considerations organisations should consider when assessing whether there is an appropriate use case for the use of UAS platforms to be included as part of their protective security estate. This document focuses specifically on the different ways in which UAS can be used in protective security and how organisations can develop an operational requirement.
Once an organisation has determined that there is a clear operational requirement to include UAS as part of their protective security model, there are a number of considerations that need to be assessed prior to their adoption. This guidance document contains factors and features that are commonplace when establishing UAS operations as well as highlighting bespoke considerations for specific popular use cases where appropriate
The adoption of UAS into an organisations protective security model can bring a number of benefits, but it must be noted that there are also potential risks that may need to be considered and mitigated. This guidance document will help organisation understand the breadth of risks that need to be considered and how to develop operational procedures that can mitigate these security risks so that the addition of UAS does not in itself become a vulnerability.