The Metropolitan Police is considering the use of drones to pursue individuals evading law enforcement. Equipped with high-definition cameras, these remote drones have been tested by Scotland Yard, providing real-time intelligence to assist officers on the ground and in control rooms in apprehending suspects. Compared to helicopters, the police find drones more cost-effective and efficient, capable of reaching a crime scene in just two minutes.
Operation of these drones will be in response to emergency calls, initiated remotely from the force’s control room by a trained operator. Live footage from the drones can be transmitted to officers on-site or at a central location for monitoring and evidence collection. The Metropolitan Police highlighted that these new drones are faster, quieter, more affordable, and eco-friendly compared to traditional police helicopters, while maintaining operational effectiveness.
Dubbed Drone as First Responder (DFR), this pilot program is part of the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC)’s drones initiative and is being launched in Islington, with plans to expand to additional locations in London, including the West End and Hyde Park. The drones will be stationed in specialized rooftop boxes at select police facilities, ready to deploy upon request from the control room.
After capturing real-time images at a scene, the drones will transmit the footage to the control room or a mobile user and store recordings for evidentiary purposes. Once the mission is completed, the drone will return to its base for recharging and preparation for the next assignment. Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor emphasized the importance of this technology in enhancing the precision and efficiency of police operations in combating crime in the capital.
Additionally, Superintendent Taryn Evans, leading the NPCC Drones Programme and the Metropolitan Police pilot, praised the technology as a game-changer in various policing scenarios. Several other police forces, including Norfolk Constabulary, Cleveland Police, West Midlands Police, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary, and Thames Valley Police Joint Operations Unit, are also undergoing trials of this innovative drone technology, spearheaded by the NPCC and the Metropolitan Police.
