As technology evolves, so do the threats schools face. Drones, once seen as toys or tools for industry, are now a growing concern for school security. Their ability to fly quickly, quietly, and discreetly makes them difficult to detect and even harder to stop. For schools, this presents a new kind of risk that requires advanced strategies to address.
School security expert Matt Pasquinilli has been vocal about the emerging threat that drones pose to educational environments. As someone deeply involved in helping schools create safer learning spaces, Pasquinilli emphasizes the need for proactive measures to counter this evolving threat. In this post, we’ll explore the potential dangers of drones, how artificial intelligence (AI) makes them even more dangerous, and what can be done to mitigate these risks.
How Drones Threaten School Security
Drones introduce unique security risks that traditional measures—like fences, cameras, and locked doors—are not equipped to handle. Here are some of the key threats drones pose to school security:
1. Spying and Surveillance
Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras can fly over school grounds and capture footage of student movements, security protocols, and school layouts. This footage can be used to plan break-ins or other criminal activities. Unlike people on the ground, drones don’t have to cross fences or checkpoints, giving bad actors a clear, unrestricted view of the school.
2. Delivery of Dangerous or Illegal Items
Drones can be used to deliver contraband directly onto school grounds. Weapons, drugs, or other prohibited items can be dropped into courtyards, playgrounds, or even into open windows. Since the drone doesn’t have to pass through security, this method bypasses many of the physical safeguards schools rely on.
3. Weaponization of Drones
While less common, the possibility of weaponized drones is a real concern. Drones can be modified to carry explosives, chemical agents, or other dangerous payloads. Unlike traditional weapons, a drone can approach from above, making it harder to track or intercept.
4. Disruption and Panic
Even a non-weaponized drone flying over a school can cause significant disruption. Students and staff may feel threatened or afraid, especially if the drone is loud or behaving unpredictably. Evacuations or lockdowns caused by drone sightings can disrupt learning and create unnecessary panic.
According to Matt Pasquinilli, one of the most important steps schools can take is to recognize the psychological impact of these threats. While physical harm is a major concern, fear and anxiety among students and staff can be just as damaging to the learning environment.
The Role of AI in the Drone Threat
Artificial intelligence (AI) makes drones smarter, faster, and more independent. Traditional drones require human operators, but AI allows drones to operate autonomously. This means they can identify landmarks, track people, and even recognize faces or specific objects without human input.
AI also enables drones to navigate more effectively, avoiding obstacles and flying in complex environments. This makes it harder to predict or block their paths. For schools, this means a drone with malicious intent could enter school grounds undetected, navigate around physical barriers, and deliver harmful payloads without ever being spotted.
Matt Pasquinilli emphasizes the urgency of staying ahead of AI-driven threats. He notes that as drones become smarter, they also become harder to counter. “It’s not just about spotting the drone,” Pasquinilli says. “It’s about understanding how AI allows these machines to make decisions on their own. Schools need to prepare for that shift.”
What Schools Can Do to Mitigate Drone Threats
Addressing the threat of drones requires both proactive planning and advanced technology. While schools may be limited in what they can do legally, there are still several measures they can take.
1. Drone Detection Systems
The first step in defending against drones is knowing they’re there. Drone detection systems use radar, cameras, and other sensors to detect the presence of a drone in the area. Once detected, school security personnel can respond appropriately. However, identifying the drone is only half the battle. The next challenge is figuring out how to stop it.
2. Drone Jamming and Interference
Certain systems can “jam” a drone’s signal, causing it to lose connection with its operator and land. However, this approach has legal limitations. Federal law restricts the use of signal jamming devices, and schools are generally not authorized to use them. The Aircraft Sabotage Act (18 U.S.C. § 32) classifies drones as aircraft, and destroying or interfering with an aircraft is a federal crime.
3. Physical Barriers and Enclosures
While drones can fly over fences, enclosed spaces like atriums, covered walkways, or other barriers can limit where drones can operate. Installing coverings over playgrounds or courtyards may reduce the risk of drone delivery of contraband or harmful items.
4. Legal Advocacy and Policy Changes
Schools can advocate for changes to federal and state laws that give them more authority to counter drone threats. Currently, only federal agencies like the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have the power to take down a drone. Changes to these laws could give local authorities and school officials more flexibility in protecting their campuses.
5. Training and Awareness
Training staff to recognize drone threats is a low-cost but effective strategy. Matt Pasquinilli stresses that schools must treat drones as a legitimate part of modern threat assessments. If staff know what to look for—like unfamiliar sounds or small flying objects overhead—they can act quickly to prevent further escalation.
The Legal Dilemma: Why Schools Can’t Shoot Down Drones
Many people assume that the simple solution to a drone threat is to shoot it down. However, federal law prohibits this. Under the Aircraft Sabotage Act (18 U.S.C. § 32), drones are classified as aircraft. This means it’s a federal crime to damage, disable, or destroy them without proper authorization.
This law applies to schools, school security teams, and even local law enforcement. Without federal authorization, no one is legally allowed to shoot, jam, or disable a drone, even if it poses a security risk. Only certain federal agencies, like the Department of Homeland Security, have the authority to take action.
This legal restriction puts schools in a difficult position. They can detect drones and report them, but they can’t do much to stop them. This is why school security experts like Matt Pasquinilli are pushing for legal changes that would give local school officials more authority to respond to these threats.
Final Thoughts
The threat of drones to school security is not something to ignore. These devices can spy, deliver harmful items, and even carry weapons. With AI making drones smarter and harder to stop, schools must be prepared. While federal laws limit what schools can do to counter drones, there are still steps that can be taken, like installing drone detection systems, advocating for changes in the law, and training staff to recognize potential threats.
School security expert Matt Pasquinilli continues to lead the conversation on this issue, calling for schools to adopt a more proactive stance. As technology evolves, so must our approach to security. Schools have long focused on securing doors, windows, and entry points. Now, it’s time to look up.
By adopting smart strategies, leveraging detection technology, and advocating for legal change, schools can better protect students and staff from drone-related threats. School security consultants play a key role in this process, helping schools develop comprehensive plans that include the latest in drone threat mitigation.
If your school is concerned about drone threats, working with a school security consultant like Matt Pasquinilli can provide insight, training, and access to the latest security tools. The future of school security is changing—and schools must be ready to meet the challenge.