British Transport Police (BTP) has officially launched a groundbreaking ‘drone in a box’ remote operation system, making it the first police force in the UK to operationalise this advanced technology to improve public safety and reduce disruption on the railway network.
Transformational Rail Safety Technology
The new remote drone system will:
- Allow rapid response to incidents across the railway network
- Improve real-time decision-making and situational awareness
- Free up frontline officers for other policing duties
- Target areas with high rates of trespassing and disruption
The drones are stationed at strategic locations across the rail network and are flown remotely from BTP’s control room in London.
Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Operations
While most drone operations are confined to Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) (around 500 metres), BTP has obtained legal authorisation to conduct Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations under State Aircraft legislation — a first for routine police use, not just emergency deployments.
The BVLOS capability allows BTP to cover significantly larger areas and respond more efficiently to incidents.
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Launch Event and Industry Collaboration
A launch event last week at a pilot site in Leeds showcased the system’s capabilities to key stakeholders including:
- Network Rail
- Department for Transport
- NPCC Drones
- West Yorkshire Police
- Northern Rail
- British Transport Police Authority (BTPA)
Chief Constable Lucy D’Orsi commented:
Our new ‘drone in a box’ capability is transformational. It allows us to save the industry money, improve safety, and keep the railway moving for passengers. It’s a fantastic example of how BTP is shaping the future of policing.”
Looking Ahead
BTP aims to expand the technology across the wider rail network in collaboration with industry partners to keep the public safe, reduce operational disruption, and modernize policing.
