The growing popularity and accessibility of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), like drones, has altered the world of security. Air space used to be a marginal security concern, but drone proliferation has changed how security professionals assess risk. In particular, private events are vulnerable to drone risks. If the individuals who attend have a certain status – like political leaders, public figures, or celebrities – they're more likely to be a target. And even if the intentions of a drone user aren't malicious, capturing footage using drones is still a violation of privacy.

Why Drones Are Your Next Uninvited Guests

Drones were banned in central London for the 2023 coronation of King Charles, due to their threat level. When misused, drones can be extremely disruptive to events. Some examples of the threat caused by drones include:

• Event schedule disruption 
• Violating the privacy of individuals at events
• Capturing imagery of events without permission 
• Misuse with ill-intent towards individuals 

By understanding these risks, it's easier to understand the adverse impacts drones can have. But what can be done to prevent it? 

What is VIP Drone Radar Security?

Very important person (VIP) refers to individuals who have a status that causes them to be perceived as more significant to other people. VIPs are likely to receive attention from the general public and the press, so their security is a paramount concern. 

VIP drone radar security is a measure of reducing disruption caused by drones at private events. It enables event organisers and security teams to monitor drone threats in real-time with a radar that combines 360° coverage with automatic classification. 

This ensures the safety and privacy of VIPs if a drone were to disrupt a private event. The drone detection radar can quickly detect the presence of a drone, automatically classify it, and monitor its movements. 

3 Benefits of Using Drone Detection Radar at Private Events

1. Situational Awareness

The ability to detect and classify drones provides invaluable intelligence for detecting whether a drone is a real threat or something more harmless. When it comes to event security, understanding what's happening in a timely manner is a make-or-break when dealing with an impending security concern. Drone detection radar provides your teams with more situational awareness and context when they need it most. Your security teams can quickly identify suspicious drone activity and take action, fast.

2. Recognise What's Harmless

Drones are used to explore, capture photography, and create video footage. It's likely that a high-profile event might have people legitimately using authorised drones to capture footage.

Drone detection radar can track and monitor movement, helping your teams establish vital intel. You can also monitor the behaviour and flight pattern of the drone, to understand whether it is suspicious. For example, is the drone following a VIP closely around your event? Are they authorised, and if not, then it might be a threat. Your security team can now take action.

Additionally, small moving objects can be confused with drones. For example, birds are harmless at VIP events. But you need the ability to accurately distinguish between them and drones. Drone detection radar systems can also help with this. 

3. Empower Your Security Response

If a legitimate threat is recognised, your response effort is critical. Drone detection radar can support your team with real-time and accurate information about the location, movements, and behaviour of a drone.

Security teams can use this data to collaborate with necessary parties and ensure VIPs are safe. For example, communicating the location of the drone with on-the-ground security personnel and police. With intelligence, your team can protect guests and respond effectively while actively monitoring the threat. Additionally, this data will be useful for disabling the drone if you need to at a later time. 

Keep the Paparazzi and Drones at Bay

Counter drone and C-UAS technology is cheaper and easier than ever to access. It's like the paparazzi holding a camera – oftentimes disruptive and unwanted by VIPs attending a private event – unless they were to consent to be followed around. And drones are like the paparazzi, but if they could fly and move around at great speed... in the air.

Any security team can easily understand why drones cause a constant threat and are unwanted guests. Use drone detection radar at your next event to minimise the disruption caused by drones. It's intuitive, easy to use, and straightforward to set up, giving you stronger security measures at private events.