Cheshire Police have unveiled a new drone as it takes to the skies to tackle crime in the county.
The Matrice 300RTK drone, also known as an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), will equip the frontline with a powerful tool to support officers in their daily duties.
Cheshire Police say the drone will enable officers to provide a better service to the public and make sure vulnerable people are safer.
The force has recruited and trained up officers in its Drone Support Unit, which includes three officers and a sergeant.
The unit is based at the headquarters in Winsford and will assist with:
• Searching for missing and wanted people
• Aerial imagery and reconstruction of road traffic collisions
• Aerial imagery for crime scene investigations
• Protests and disorder
• Identification of cannabis farms
• Event management planning
The newly qualified pilots have received qualifications the Civil Aviation Authority recognise so they can operate a drone on behalf of the Constabulary.
Chief Inspector Gareth Wrigley said: “A few short months ago the unit formed, and the team have been working hard to get to this point, where the drone can officially take to the skies to assist with frontline policing.
“I want to reassure the public that the drone will not be used for general surveillance and will only be used for incidents and operations.
“Having drone capability will make a huge difference in the way we protect vulnerable people and gather critical evidence at scenes.
“This is a really exciting time for the Constabulary which will increase our tactical options to help make Cheshire even safer.”
Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, David Keane, said: “Police currently use the National Air Support Service (NPAS) for all its aerial requirements such as search and photography.
“Although manned aircraft will always be required for some operational activities, there are opportunities, such as when aerial photography alone is required, that drones would be more suitable, quicker to deploy and more cost-effective.
“The drone will bring huge benefits to frontline policing in Cheshire and I am really pleased that the force is now in a position to start using the drones on a day-to-day basis to help keep the public of Cheshire safe.”
Where do they find time for these smiley promotion pictures.