Police chief says drones could replace helicopters

Philip Wilkinson says Wiltshire Police needs to embrace new technology

Calls have been made for police forces to end an indefinite contract with a national helicopter service in favour of using drones.

Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Wiltshire, Philip Wilkinson, said Wiltshire Police currently spends £700,000 a year on the National Police Air Service (NPAS).

Mr Wilkinson, who represents all five of the south west of England's PCCs on the NPAS board, said: "If I could invest in drones, I'd have a really enhanced police aviation support system."

The NPAS says while drones do have many benefits, they can't always "match" the capabilities of a helicopter, especially in rural areas like Wiltshire.

Chief Constable Catherine Roper, from Wiltshire Police, said the force is committed to exploring opportunities to modernise aviation capabilities in line with operational needs and value for money.

Police forces are tied into an indefinite contract government contract with no end date – and the only person who can release them is the new Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood.

Mr Wilkinson said: "This contract was drawn up in the pre-drone era.

"Some of the most advanced drone systems are going to be built in Swindon, and that's why I'm determined to have British drones for British police forces."

Wiltshire Police operates 36 drones, which are deployed multiple times a day to assist in locating missing people or hiding suspects, and providing an eye in the sky during police raids.

Mr Wilkinson believes police forces can deliver most air support missions using drones

Mr Wilkinson said that as well as improving public services, embracing new technologies would help the force to adapt to an ongoing squeeze on finances.

He also believes that police forces can deliver most air support missions using drones.

In the last year, the NPAS responded to 139 calls for service in the county which range from vehicle pursuits to high-risk missing people.

Chief Supt Fiona Gaffney, Chief Operating Officer at the organisation, said: "Our aircraft support a wide range of incidents from high-risk missing persons and vehicle pursuits to firearms operations and public order events. These are often time-critical and require capabilities that drones currently cannot match.

'Value of human eye'

"It is important to note that drones are not a direct replacement for crewed aircraft. Frequently, it is the eyes of the three crew members on board an aircraft that makes the difference.

"The value of the human eye cannot be underestimated, and only with crewed aircraft can you get the full benefit of air support."

Meanwhile Mrs Roper said the force is committed to supporting helicopter operations as required under the current collaboration agreement.

"We will continue to engage constructively in ongoing discussions to support the national police reform efforts," she added.