Devon & Cornwall and Dorset Police launch the UK's first operational drone unit

The Drone Unit is currently using a DJI Inspire drone equipped with a zoom camera and a thermal imaging to allow for operational use 24 hours a day. The camera is HD/4K quality and can capture both video and still images. It has also purchased a smaller DJI Mavic to test its portability as it is smaller and lighter in weight.

The drone will be used to aid officers as part of missing person searches; crime scene photography; responding to major road traffic collisions; coastal and woodland searches; to combat wildlife crime or even help police and monitor suspects during a firearm or terrorist incident. Wherever officers call for an aerial asset there will be the option to send a drone.

The two forces have a total of six drones for operational use based in Plymouth and Dorset - four DJI Inspire 1s and two DJI Mavic.In the coming months, drones will be in roads policing vehicles across Devon, Cornwall and Dorset, offering on the move, 24/7 support to operational policing across the Alliance.