The UK Police will start using drones for surveying things like crash scenes of road accidents and also to keep an eye on protests.
The Sussex and Surrey Police Force has announced that they have received some new funding from the government and will start using drones shortly to aid with police work.
The Sussex Police force have been running drone trials in the UK for a while and have now been awarded an extra £250,000 in funding for UAV’s.
Benefits of Using Drones in Policing
Assistant Chief Constable Steve Barry, whose portfolio includes the joint Operations department for Sussex and Surrey Police, said: “Some of the benefits of the UAV system have already been demonstrated during the relatively short period that we have had the equipment for.
“They can go to places where it is unsafe for officers and can gather evidence quickly that could be vital in an investigation or that could help us deploy officers to the right places at the right time, potentially allowing us to make life-saving decisions.”
Drones, or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), offer a range of benefits for modern policing. They can be deployed rapidly and can cover large areas more efficiently than ground-based officers. This is particularly useful in situations such as large-scale protests, where monitoring crowd movements and identifying potential flashpoints can be crucial for maintaining public order. Additionally, drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and thermal imaging can provide real-time data and video feeds, which can be invaluable for coordinating responses to emergencies.
Applications Beyond Crash Scenes and Protests
While the initial focus for drone deployment will be on crash scenes and protests, the potential applications are far broader. For instance, drones can be used in search and rescue operations, especially in difficult terrains such as forests or mountainous areas. They can also assist in monitoring rural areas for illegal activities such as poaching or fly-tipping. In urban settings, drones can be used to monitor traffic congestion and provide real-time updates to traffic management systems.
Moreover, drones can play a significant role in crime scene investigations. They can capture aerial photographs and videos of crime scenes, providing a comprehensive overview that can be crucial for forensic analysis. This capability can also be extended to disaster response scenarios, where drones can assess damage and identify areas that require immediate attention.
The Sussex and Surrey Police Force is also exploring the use of drones for community engagement. By using drones to monitor community events, the police can ensure public safety while also building trust with the community. This approach can help in creating a more transparent and accountable policing system.
Assistant Chief Constable Steve Barry further added: “The use of drones is not just about enhancing our operational capabilities; it’s also about ensuring the safety of our officers and the public. By using drones, we can reduce the risks associated with certain police activities, such as entering hazardous environments or conducting high-speed pursuits.”
You can find out more details about the Sussex and Surrey Police Force plans for drones in the UK over at their website at the link below.
Source Sussex Police, Engadget
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