Police drones used in Shifnal and Bridgnorth during first week of trial
During the first week of a six month trial by Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police, new drone technology has been used to support officers at two incidents in Shropshire.
During the first week of a six month trial by Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police, new drone technology has been used to support officers at two incidents in Shropshire.
A drone was first used in Shropshire on Saturday 30th January to take evidential photos that may be used to support a future prosecution, following a road traffic collision near Shifnal.
On 3rd February in Bridgnorth police officers concerned for the welfare of two males whose vehicle had been involved in a road traffic collision and were no longer with the vehicle, used the drone to see if they were still in the area. The drone did not locate the males and the incident was transferred to a neighbouring force for further enquiries to be made.
Inspector Damian Sowrey who is overseeing the trial said:
"During the trial drones will be used in two ways - they may be deployed to an incident as a resource to assist or they may be used in a preplanned operation for example to help manage public safety at an event.
"During the first week of the trial despite challenging wet and windy weather conditions, the drone has helped us gather evidence by taking aerial photographs of road traffic collisions and also assisted officers search an area by providing an aerial view that can be viewed from the ground."
Inspector Sowrey added: "Whilst there are a lot of benefits to the use of drones, we are keen to reassure the public that public safety is of paramount importance at all times. Policies and procedures have been put in place to ensure that air operations using these small drones are carried out safely, ethically and in accordance with relevant CAA regulations."
Each drone is controlled by a fully trained Operator who has physical responsibility for the direction and control of the aircraft. A second person referred to as an Observer is responsible for operating the photographic equipment attached to the device.
The data the drones gather is held on a stand alone system within West Mercia Police accessible by both forces. The rules that govern the storage of information are the same as body worn video and CCTV.
Following the trial the results will be evaluated and used to support the decision of whether SUAs will be formally adopted by the Alliance.
