Police Drone Team Soars to New Heights in Crime-Fighting
Since launching in January 2020, Nottinghamshire’s police drone team has smashed records. Over 1,100 deployments and roughly 550 hours of flight time later, these high-tech eyes in the sky are transforming law enforcement across the county.
Suspects Caught, Missing People Found
Armed with cutting-edge thermal imaging and high-powered cameras, the drones have helped track down suspects 43 times. Highlights include nabbing two vandals hiding in a back garden, a wanted man lurking in a caravan, and three thieves concealed in woodland. One daring arrest involved a suspected drink-driver caught hiding in a bush under cover of darkness.
The team hasn’t just been hunting crooks. They’ve played a huge role in finding twelve missing people over the past year. One standout case in August saw a vulnerable, confused boy found safe by a lake in Bingham, thanks to drone assistance.
Vehicles Recovered & Firefighters Backed
Not stopping at suspects and missing persons, drone operators also recovered ten stolen vehicles last year, lending crucial support to investigations. Their aerial eyes help police move faster and smarter than ever before.
The drones also team up with Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, helping track and tackle fires with unprecedented aerial precision.
Next-Level Policing with 14 Skilled Pilots and Cutting-Edge Tech
Based at police HQ, the team runs 24/7 cover, supporting emergency call-outs and planned drug raids or arrest ops. Fourteen expert pilots juggle flying with other police duties, operating a fleet of six drones. In April, they upgraded with two smaller drones featuring thermal cameras—perfect for night-time and low-visibility missions.
“Drone technology is slowly but surely changing the world around us,” said Sergeant Vince Saunders, Chief Drone Pilot. “From farming to filmmaking, these small, cheap aircraft are revolutionising policing too. Unlike costly helicopters shared across forces, our drones give us a quick, affordable 3D view of any scene.”
“Suspects can’t hide and missing people’s lives have been saved thanks to drones. And this tech is evolving fast—giving us fresh ways to fight crime.”
