UK police and fire service to use drone

The drone, a Sky Mantis, will be used to find missing people, photograph crime scenes and monitor major incidents. The Sky Mantis can fly in any weather for an hour, reach an altitude of 100 meters and be operated from 400 meters away. It is equipped with two HD 30X zoom cameras with thermal imaging capabilities. It can search an area up to seven times quicker than officers on foot and can be used in areas where it is unsafe for helicopters or crews to go.

It was put through its paces at a training exercise at Hertfordshire police headquarters in Stanborough, Welwyn Garden City, where Herts Fire and Rescue Service’s senior officers are also based.

Collaboration between police and fire and rescue

Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner David Lloyd told the Bishop’s Stortford Independent: “This new drone is another example of how closer collaboration between police and fire and rescue services can deliver benefits and keep the people of Hertfordshire safer. There are clear benefits of closer integration between our blue-light services and we've established a strong partnership with Hertfordshire County Council to continue to make this ambitious program happen.”

Hertfordshire County Council leader Cllr Richard Roberts added: “This fantastic new drone, which will be used by firefighters and police officers to tackle a range of incidents, is an exciting new step in our journey of collaboration with police colleagues. We are committed to working together across many areas to improve the safety of Hertfordshire residents.”

Meanwhile, the new Revector Detector Drone can fly over hard-to-reach areas in the aftermath of natural disasters or accidents and locate survivors through their mobile phones.