Police drones add extra support to front line

Cheshire Police Drone Support Unit impress John Dwyer and David McNeilage at a recent demonstration.

In modern day policing, the implementation of technology can be key to enable law enforcers to help keep the communities they serve safe.

Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) John Dwyer and Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner (DPCC) David McNeilage had the pleasure of viewing some of this technology in a demonstration presented by the Cheshire Police Drone Unit, headed up by Police Sergeant Shaun Hunter.

Police Sergeant Hunter and his team demonstrated how drones can be used effectively in a multitude of scenarios which benefit both the force and victims of crime in the area. However, the use of the drones aren’t always restricted to the Cheshire area, with the team providing mutual aid across the country as and when required.

John Dwyer, Police and Crime Commissioner, commented: “The enthusiasm of the Drone Support Unit was great to see. It’s amazing how this piece of kit can help in so many different policing scenarios, supporting officers on the front line and helping to make Cheshire a safer place to live and work.

“Aviation has always been a passion of mine, and to see a unit of officers that have the same enthusiasm is fantastic to see. Drones still hold a bit of mystique around them, and it was great for me to hear how the officers interact with members of the public, where possible and educate them around this additional resource available to the force.”

Sergeant Shaun Hunter, Lead Pilot in the Drone Support Unit, said: “It was a great pleasure to provide the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner a Drone demonstration. The use of unmanned aircraft technologies are at the forefront of change for police forces across the country and I am pleased to say that since the unit came live over a year ago we have managed to have great success here in Cheshire in brining offenders to justice and protecting those who are vulnerable in our communities.

“The Drone has successfully utilized its onboard thermal capabilities to locate missing people and guide officer on the ground to their location to safeguard them. It has also located suspects of crime thus bringing an even better of service to the victims of crime in Cheshire.

“The Drone can operate during all hours thanks to its thermal capabilities and can remain airborne over an incident for as long as necessary with the provision of a quick battery change.

“All pilots are fully trained and licenced with the correct authority from the Civil Aviation authority to ensure that each flight is undertaken safely.”

Pictured -  (L-R ) Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner David McNeilage, PS Shaun Hunter and Police and Crime Commissioner John Dwyer with the Cheshire Police Drones.