First bespoke emergency service drones launched in Gwent
Gwent Police are excited to announce the official launch of the latest technology to keep our communities safe and fight crime in Gwent.
During an 8-month trial, we have been working with drone manufacturers to build and test the first bespoke Police drone in Wales, if not the UK.
The Sky Mantis has a range of capabilities to allow for use in a variety of situations including searches for high-risk missing people, policing large-scale events and disorder, crime scene photography including drug warrants and serious road traffic collisions – as well as keeping the public and our officers safe too!
Inspector Gavin Clifton said, “Across the trial, the drones have proved their worth, saving the force approximately £46,800 across 36 incidents and has also been used in place of helicopters in the appropriate places.
“We have been working closely with drone manufacturers to create a tailored model which meets all our policing needs and ensures that it can be deployed in all conditions around the force area.”
“I’m really pleased that we now have 25 specially trained and qualified officers who give us 24/7 coverage with the drones. Using drones helps us to use our resources in the right place at the right time and help resolve incidents quickly.”
Chief Constable Julian Williams
“Drones are increasingly important tools for modern policing. They are cost effective, efficient, and reduce the risk to officers”.
Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent, Jeff Cuthbert
“They can be used in a variety of roles, from missing person searches to scene photography, and are particularly useful for helping the police to tackle crimes in our more rural communities.”
In total, Gwent Police now have four drones – two bespoke Sky Mantis and two Typhoon H – which can deployed across the force area when it is deemed suitable.
If you want to see one of these drones up close and personal, head to the Police Open Day at Gwent Police HQ this weekend to see this technology in action.
Original Article – Gwent Police