Devon & Cornwall Police and Dorset Police Have expanded their drone fleet with the purchase of a range of specialist UAVs.
The drones, which will be supplied by COPTRZ, are equipped with optical zoom and thermal imaging capabilities. Their primary use will be in missing person searches, crime scene investigations and fast response to major road traffic collisions. They will also help search the forces’ 600 miles of coastline.
Earlier this year, Devon & Cornwall Police and Dorset Police were the first force to announce their intentions to employ full-time UAV pilots and create a dedicated drone unit. Investment in the new drones follows 18 months of successful trials across the region. During trials, it was reported that the use of UAVs significantly reduced response time and increased cost effectiveness of the forces’ aerial assets.
Steve Coulson, Founder & Managing Director of COPTRZ, commented, “We are delighted to be working alongside the UK’s first dedicated police drone unit. The demands of the contract were strict, however due to our unique supplier partnerships we have been able to provide a bespoke solution that will prove to be an excellent asset to Devon & Cornwall Police and Dorset Police.”
It is expected that the new drones will be fully operation in early 2018.