COPTRZ launches industry-first drone detection system for police forces

COPTRZ, a leading commercial drone solution provider, has announced the launch of a complete turnkey drone detection solution, designed to provide protection from the threat of drones.

Launched in partnership with DJI and its AeroScope detection systems, the system allows an operator to track telemetry data from drones in surrounding airspace of up to 40km (25 miles) distance. In effect, it’s a drone license plate detection system that provides police forces with the data required to be able to quickly and effectively protect against drone intrusion.

By intercepting the current communications link between a DJI drone and its remote controller, AeroScope is able to broadcast real-time identification information including UAV serial code, make and model, UAV position, speed, latitude and ground controller location. This allows the operator to take mitigation action against the drone threat and at the same time despatch ground teams to apprehend the pilot.

This launch has been anticipated for some time after increased security concerns regarding the use of drones around controlled areas such as prisons and high-profile events. Only last year, it was reported that four members of a gang had been arrested for smuggling drugs into prisons. This drastic trend is expected to increase year-on-year, says COPTRZ, with over 20 million drones in operation by 2020.

DJI announced plans to develop AeroScope last October and has since chosen COPTRZ as its European partner for the development, installation and maintenance of the product going forward.

Steve Coulson, Founder and Managing Director at COPTRZ, explains, “We are proud to have partnered with DJI as the European turnkey provider of AeroScope. The drone industry has grown exponentially in recent years and we are now seeing them used to great effect across nearly all vertical sectors. Despite this, an increase in drones taking to the skies has caused significant safety fears, particularly in airspace surrounding prisons, high-profile events and crime scenes.

“COPTRZ will continue to lead the development of the commercial drone industry, and in order to do this we need to identify between legal and illegal drone use. AeroScope does exactly that and we are looking forward to working with all police forces to help significantly reduce the threat of illegal drone activity.”