The University of Illinois Police Department (UIPD) has signed a two-year contract extension with SkySafe to maintain its drone detection and airspace intelligence system across the university’s campus and research facilities.

The renewal follows a reported reduction in unauthorised drone activity at Memorial Stadium. According to department data, the university recorded four to six drone incursions per game prior to the system’s implementation. During the 2025 football season, the department recorded only one incursion requiring officer contact. The system provides real-time operator location data, allowing the department to resolve incidents with fewer personnel.

The UIPD manages a complex urban environment that includes a commercial airport, protected research sites, and a campus serving 60,000 students and faculty. The SkySafe platform allows the department to distinguish between authorised drones and potential threats, providing evidence for enforcement actions when flight regulations are breached.

The contract will continue to support integrated command centre operations, covering residential areas and major outdoor events. The UIPD also provides airspace intelligence support to neighbouring law enforcement agencies upon request.

“Before SkySafe, a single drone incident during a football game could pull a dozen officers off their assignments for the better part of a quarter,” said UIPD Police Captain Joe McCullough. “Now we resolve most incidents in minutes with one or two officers.”