ATLANTA — The Fulton County Jail is set to get additional security measures as Sheriff Pat Labat announces a new system designed to prevent contraband and strengthen safety at the facility on Rice Street.

Labat held a press conference on Thursday to unveil what the sheriff’s office calls a first-of-its-kind “drone as first responder” system.

The new, high-tech drone deploys from the special docking station on the roof of the Fulton County Jail. Within seconds, Labat says the flock safety drone will respond to incursions around the jail and will serve as an added layer of security at the facility.

“Let me be clear, this is for the betterment of our community,” Labat said. “We hope in months to come to be able to expand this.”

Officials say they tracked more than 300 illegal drone flights in and around the jail last year alone.

The technology is aimed at addressing security concerns and stopping contraband from being delivered to the jail. Officials say the event will include a demonstration showing how the system works.

The announcement came after the Fulton County Commission voted earlier this month to move forward with initiatives aimed at reducing the jail population.

WSB Radio’s Michelle Wright contributed to this story.