Humberside Police are to start using new ‘in-house’ drones.
This new capability will see drones piloted by trained police officers to assist with operational policing, helping the Force respond more quickly and effectively to incidents as they happen.
Using the latest technology from the DJI Matrice 4 Series, these drones can support a range of policing activity. They have the capability to help search for high-risk missing persons using built-in AI technology, track offenders fleeing scenes of crime, and use pinpoint laser range finders to guide officers to people and locations of interest.
This technology will also provide enhanced situational awareness to officers attending incidents. This helps improve officer safety, minimise risk, and maximise public safety by allowing the Force to better understand incidents at an earlier stage and ensure the right resources, including other emergency services, are deployed at the right time.
The drones will also capture key evidence, including offences being committed, offenders being detained, and scene management.
Superintendent Tim Harrison said:
“By developing our own drone capability, we’ve created a valuable policing resource that is highly effective in supporting our operations and helping to keep people safe.
“This project reflects our commitment to innovation, allowing us to respond more quickly to incidents and provide officers with important information as situations develop.
“By using our own drones, we can support searches for missing people, track suspects, and give officers a clearer picture of what’s happening on the ground, helping them make informed decisions and act even faster. This means we can improve public safety, reduce risk, and deliver a more effective service to our communities.”
Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Leo Hammond said:
‘’I will always support Humberside Police to be at the forefront of policing, and that’s why I am delighted to see this new and improved drone capability which will help our officers tackle crime and keep our communities, rural, urban and coastal safe.’’
