Future of crime fighting: Aerial DRONES to be used to help officers
THIS £6,000 fleet of high-tech aerial drones is the latest weapon to join the country’s crime-fighting arsenal, following the success of a nine-month trial.
The five devices will be used be used by 16 specially-trained pilots to collect evidence and offer surveillance in situations where officers cannot go.
Yesterday Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Police used three drones to demonstrate how the new technology could help coppers tackle criminals and protect the public.
The first scenario was a hunt for a missing person, the second a chemical incident in which officers wore protective clothing, and the third a knifeman on a double-decker bus who was circled by the drone.
Inspector Chris Huggins, who spearheaded the use of drones by the forces, said: "They are very useful for collecting evidence at crash scenes where you can get an overall view of the scene and see where the skid marks are.
"They give us an efficient and effective use of modern technology. They are not a waste of money.
"They cost £1,200 each which is not a great deal when compared to the cost of launching the police helicopter."
Police to fight crime with drones
Since June four drones have been in use mainly at the scene of fatal road crashes, to collect evidence and at major events including a royal visit to Luton, Beds.
Although they can reach heights of 400ft and have a top speed of 35mph they will not be used in police pursuits.
Insp Mark Farrant said: "We are not allowed to do that but that's where the helicopter comes in. The drones are not replacing the helicopter but are there to complement it.
"They are extremely useful in missing person searches as they can cover a wide area freeing up officers who can carry out other duties protecting the public."
They are extremely useful in missing person searches
The devices have the ability to capture high-definition video and take high-resolution photographs.
Insp Farrant added: "Exploring the efficiency of new technology is key to helping us face the challenges of modern policing.
"Not only can these state-of-the art drones help us to achieve savings where the police helicopter could otherwise be deployed, the drones give us greater scope to capture evidence in real time, supporting our ultimate aim of protecting the public and fighting crime.
"Following the trial in which the devices assisted at the scenes of collisions and in police training, we anticipate this new resource contributing hugely to the work of the three forces - not to mention the obvious benefits to officer and public safety."