Police: Drones will be more effective than helicopters

POLICE drones will replace helicopters in operations, the head of the first dedicated unit claims.

Ch Supt Jim Nye, commander for the Alliance Operations Department, described the unit as an “historic step” for policing and said in future drones could be more cost effective than helicopters. Five officers have been trained in a pilot scheme, with a further 40 aiming to complete the course in the next 12 months.

“Drone capability is a cutting-edge way to support operational policing across Devon, Cornwall and Dorset,” Mr Nye said. “I think long term, it will be very cost effective to use the drones.

“The helicopter isn’t always available and you want to have it available for life-threatening situations.”