In an innovative move, drones are slated to become first responders in police emergencies, with trials scheduled to commence next year in Norfolk. This groundbreaking initiative, Project Eagle X, is poised to significantly enhance the capabilities of law enforcement in handling urgent situations.
The Trial in Norfolk: Norfolk, chosen for the initial trials, faces challenges in accessing helicopters from the National Police Air Service due to their remote locations. The use of drones as first responders in this region could prove to be a game-changer, providing rapid situational awareness in emergencies.
Expansion to Thames Valley and Hampshire: The trial will expand to Thames Valley Police and Hampshire, testing the drones’ efficacy in different settings. The drones will be stationed on buildings and operated remotely, enabling quick dispatch to emergency scenes.
International Collaborations and Trials: Police in England and Wales are collaborating with officers in the US, drawing insights from similar trials conducted in San Diego. Additionally, Belgium and the Netherlands are exploring the use of drones as first responders, indicating a growing international interest in this technology.
Advantages and Operational Details: Neil Sexton, advising the National Police Chiefs’ Council on drone usage, described the system: “A drone sits autonomously on a roof in a city, protected in a box. It can be launched remotely from a control station upon receiving a 999 call.” The drone provides real-time situational data to both the control room and first responders heading to the scene.
The technology promises a more accurate assessment of incidents than reports from stressed callers. Drones can quickly determine the scale of an emergency, from major road accidents requiring extensive resources to minor incidents.
Current Use and Future Plans: Approximately 400 drones are currently utilised by police forces in England and Wales. Plans to modify operational rules, including flying drones beyond the operator’s line of sight, are underway, with trials in closed-off airspace expected next year.
Facial Recognition Technology: In addition to drones, police forces are planning expanded use of retrospective facial recognition technology. This biometric software compares CCTV images with custody shot databases, a technique likened to the significance of DNA analysis in policing. The Metropolitan Police and South Wales Police are at the forefront of this technology, with potential nationwide rollout in the future.
Conclusion: This technological leap in policing, combining drone and facial recognition technologies, could mark a new era in law enforcement efficiency and response capabilities. As these trials progress, they could pave the way for a transformative shift in how emergencies are handled across the UK.
