Contraband drones on radar for NSW prisons

Correctional facilities in NSW are on the lookout for drones dropping contraband items to prisoners.

Six incidents of drones being flown over the state's prisons have been recorded by Corrective Services NSW, but so far it's believed none are suspicious.

"We're not aware of any drops. That's probably kids with cameras on drones," Assistant Commissioner Custodial Corrections Kevin Corcoran told AAP.

"We do not regard it as a huge problem at this stage, but it's something we're keeping a close eye on."

Corrective Services NSW is investigating technology that can detect drones, he said.

They're also working to detect packages of contraband items including tobacco, drugs, mobile phones and weapons being thrown over prison fences and walls.

"That's where most of our problem comes from," Mr Corcoran said, adding that it was mostly by luck that guards detected drops before prisoners.

"Nowhere in the world have they got reliable technology that will detect contraband coming in over the fence."

There are extensive searches of visitors, car parks and vehicles both by hand and with sniffer dogs to prevent contraband items being smuggled into jails in NSW.

The intensive program has resulted in an extensive contraband fine system, Mr Corcoran said.