If Pilot Program is Successful, Drones Could Serve as First Responders
First responder drones could be utilized nationwide, following an announcement by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to implement ‘time-saving technology.’
If a pilot scheme in Norfolk proves successful, a pilot program using drones as first responders could potentially be expanded across the country.
During his Budget speech on Wednesday, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt stated that police officers in the UK waste approximately eight hours per week on unnecessary attendance at 999 calls. He pledged £230 million towards “money-saving technology which speeds up police response times,” including incorporating drones as first responders.
Currently, police forces in England and Wales operate 400 drones, but their use is restricted as they can only be operated within the operator’s line of sight.
In November, the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) revealed plans to test remote-controlled drones in Norfolk under Project Eagle X. If successful, these drones aim to provide early information from accidents and other incidents.
Further trials are scheduled to take place in Hampshire and by Thames Valley Police, covering Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire.
Although specific details about Project Eagle X are not yet available, it is believed that the drone’s role will be observation and filming of the scene rather than direct interaction with individuals.
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Collaborating with authorities in the United States, the NPCC is exploring similar trials conducted in San Diego.
In 2018, the Chula Vista Police Department in San Diego trialed first responder drones, reporting successful results contributing to 20 arrests and aiding senior officers in making more informed decisions and resource management.
Chula Vista P.D.’s website states that the drone “allows a trained incident commander to ‘virtually’ arrive on the scene first, providing essential information and tactical intelligence before field officers are deployed.” The drone operator can communicate with responding units, enhancing their situational awareness.
‘More Targeted and Efficient use of Resources’
Superintendent Taryn Evans, head of the NPCC’s drone program, expressed in a statement to The Epoch Times, “Drones already provide significant support to frontline policing with over 400 drones in use across the UK to enhance community safety and reduce crime.”
She added, “This technology enables a more targeted and efficient use of resources, constantly evolving.”
Evans mentioned, “This summer, trials will commence for a drone as a first responder (DFS) system, offering evolving systems for launching drones autonomously from control rooms to provide situational awareness before ground responders arrive.”
Alan Pughsley, involved in a Home Office-commissioned policing productivity review, highlighted how technology can expedite existing tasks and deliver services more efficiently, like redacting court documents and streamlining operations.
In November, Jeremy Vaughan, chief constable of South Wales Police, was appointed to chair the NPCC’s new science and innovation committee.
Other technological advancements in policing include facial recognition technology utilized by South Wales Police to identify 200 suspects monthly, AI-driven administrative software that saved significant detective work hours and digital fingerprint matching expediting processes by three days.
The government’s efforts to enhance police productivity include utilizing time-saving technology.
During his speech, Mr. Hunt emphasized, “The way to improve public services is not solely about more funding or workforce. We also need to operate more efficiently for a more productive state, not just a larger state.”
The Office for Budget Responsibility forecasts a 2.3 percent real-terms cut by 2028-2029 for public spending plans not safeguarded like the NHS and armed forces.
NPCC Chairman Gavin Stephens stressed the necessity for stronger long-term financial stability to fully leverage these investments amidst significant financial challenges faced by police forces.
PA Media contributed to this report.
