TDOC outlines centralized intelligence center to detect drones and automate responses; committee presses for metrics and cost details

The Tennessee Department of Corrections told a legislative committee on Feb. 6, 2026, that it plans to create a Corrections Safety Intelligence Center to centralize intelligence, monitor camera feeds in real time, and deploy drone‑detection and unmanned aerial systems to support targeted responses in state correctional facilities.

Harmon Hunsicker, director of the Office of Investigations and Conduct, said the CSIC would consolidate fragmented systems, use AI‑enabled camera networks and unmanned aerial systems for automated security checks, and provide near‑real‑time alerts to correctional officers. "Intelligence gathered through the CSIC will allow us to identify patterns, detect risk early, and deploy personnel where they are needed most before incidents escalate into violence and loss of life," Hunsicker said.

Procurement director Cammie Howard described the acquisition path the department used: statewide contracts did not meet the agency’s integrated requirements, so TDOC used the Sourcewell cooperative purchasing vehicle. Howard said six vendors were awarded under the cooperative opportunity, and Axon emerged as the best operational fit for TDOC based on ability to meet requirements and pricing. The department provided demonstration videos to the committee showing geofencing, camera ping‑ins and an alert workflow.

Committee members asked several operational questions. Representative Bridal asked how much contraband arrives by drone; Hunsicker said the exact amount is unknown but "last year, we had 51 confirmed drone incidents across the state," and that number represented a significant increase from the prior year. Representative Shaw asked whether the center would generate savings; TDOC officials said savings are difficult to quantify now but expected operational efficiencies by enabling targeted responses (monitoring more than 6,000 cameras 24/7 and reducing full‑facility responses and associated overtime).

Procurement and oversight implications: the department said it validated the cooperative procurement path with the central procurement office, obtained Controller of the Treasury approval and negotiated with the chosen vendor; the department also said it will oversee installation and integration across state and local properties and expects to use RFP/ITB/MOU partners for installation and maintenance work. TDOC characterized the CSIC as a step toward proactive prevention of contraband delivery, coordinated responses to disturbances, and improved accountability through documented alerts and reporting.

Next steps: TDOC did not request an immediate funding authorization during the committee appearance; the department’s procurement and implementation schedule will proceed through established purchasing pathways and the agency committed to follow‑up information on operational metrics and cost savings where available.

Quote: "When drone drops go undetected, it results in lockdowns, yard and cell searches, and lengthy investigations requiring significant staff time and overtime," Hunsicker said. "Early detection enables targeted intervention, preventing contraband deliveries and limiting responses to specific areas rather than entire facilities."