Drones should be available to patrol the walls of Victorian prisons to stop contraband like drugs and weapons getting inside, the state opposition says.
The Liberal-National opposition says if elected they will introduce the flying devices at prisons to be used when CCTV monitoring systems are down.
"My government will use every tool at our disposal, like these drones, to crack down on any trouble from prisoners," Opposition Leader Matthew Guy said on Sunday.
The opposition says contraband is regularly thrown, hit or dropped over prison walls and fences, fuelling a prison black market.
CCTV systems have fixed locations, limited reach and they can also be destroyed by prisoners, making it easier for contraband to get in.
Drones would allow prison staff to continue to monitor the perimeter and gather intelligence when cameras aren't operating, Mr Guy says.
"We have a zero tolerance approach when it comes to violent prisoners and criminals," he said.
Australian Associated Press