Chasing suspects, uncovering drug farms and aiding firearms specialists… Lincolnshire Police’s drones were deployed more than three times per day last year
Lincolnshire Police drones were deployed more than three times each day on average last year.
From searching for missing people and suspects - even those hiding behind wheelie bins - to uncovering drugs farms and aiding firearms specialists, the force’s eye in the sky has proven a vital tool in fighting crime and keeping the public safe.
Drones were deployed more than 1,300 times last year, including 294 searches for missing people, 314 searches for suspects, 138 live downlinks provided for operational commanders, 81 occasions of supporting firearms deployments and 67 disruptions of cannabis farms.
Drones were also sent to 46 events and operations, 24 serious or fatal collision scenes and took part in 22 internal searches of buildings before officers entered.
“With just 28 trained officers to cover the county every day and night throughout the year the results show how dedicated and determined our drone pilots are to provide an operational and responsive tactic to support policing in Lincolnshire,” a Lincolnshire Police statement said.
“Operating a drone is an additional skill to an officers’ usual duties; it is not a full-time role.
“There can be no doubt that our drone pilots have successfully used their drones to safeguard vulnerable people, in many cases saving lives, detaining offenders, ensuring safeguarding and swift justice for victims of crime.”
Lincolnshire Police also use drones in their battle against hare coursing in the county, while officers have also been known to train in using the equipment at soft play areas.
Drones now routinely obtain complex evidential footage for major incidents, with an increasing demand following homicide and fatal collision investigations.
The benefits to senior investigating officers are being revealed and include the extensive detail and different views that are available through this technology.
Superintendent Pat Coates of Specialist Operations, said: “The leadership and co-ordination shown by our Chief Drone Pilot, Kev Taylor, means we now have a valuable tactical resource readily available to Commanders and Investigators 365 days a year.
“In addition, with our drone pilots going above and beyond to support operational policing with their drone skills, they are able to quickly locate missing people, suspects or evidence.
“Traditionally we would rely on officers on foot to search large areas which would take hours and hours; we don’t have officers available for this often lifesaving work.
“Drone technology has developed at pace, and drones now play a vital role providing air support alongside NPAS helicopters which are a shared resource. Many of our deployments can now be achieved using drones which are flexible and offer really good value for money.”
Supt Coates added: “With the huge increase in the use of drone technology we have experienced in the last few years, I’m delighted to welcome our new deputy Chief Drone Pilot Ian Steedman into the force.
“This is a vital and key role and will mean we can continue to support and increase this tactical option and maintain the skills and training of our pilots need to achieve and that our equipment is maintained and operated to the high standards that are required."