Police force to deploy drone
HALTON could have another aircraft gracing its skies with the launch of a
Cheshire police drone.
The Matrice 300RTK unmanned aerial vehicle is intended to aid officers on the ground and help to protect the public.
A team of three officers and a sergeant has been recruited and trained to pilot the craft.
The unit is based at the force’s Winsford headquarters and will support work such as:
● Searching for missing and wanted people
● Aerial imagery and reconstruction of road traffic collisions
● Aerial imagery for crime scene investigations
● Protests and disorder
● Identifying cannabis farms ● Event management planning.
The pilots have all received qualifications the Civil Aviation Authority recognise to enable them to operate a drone on behalf of the constabulary.
Chief Inspector Gareth Wrigley said: “A few short months ago the unit formed, and the team have been working hard to get to this point, where the drone can officially take to the skies to assist with frontline policing.
“I want to reassure the public that the drone will not be used for general surveillance and will only be used for incidents and operations.
“Having drone capability will make a huge difference in the way we protect vulnerable people and gather critical evidence at scenes.
“This is a really exciting time for the constabulary which will increase our tactical options to help make Cheshire even safer.”
David Keane, Cheshire’s police and crime commissioner, said: “Police currently use the National Air Support Service (NPAS) for all its aerial requirements such as search and photography.
“Although manned aircraft will always be required for some operational activities, there are opportunities, such as when aerial photography alone is required, that drones would be more suitable, quicker to deploy and more cost-effective.
“The drone will bring huge benefits to frontline policing in Cheshire and I am really pleased that the force is now in a position to start using the drones on a day-to-day basis to help keep the public of Cheshire safe.”