This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/uk-northern-ireland-15759537
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Police in Northern Ireland consider using mini drones | Police in Northern Ireland consider using mini drones |
(2 days later) | |
By Vincent Kearney BBC NI home affairs correspondent | By Vincent Kearney BBC NI home affairs correspondent |
Police aerial surveillance in Northern Ireland may be about to take on a whole new form - one that belongs more to the world of sci-fi and the future. | Police aerial surveillance in Northern Ireland may be about to take on a whole new form - one that belongs more to the world of sci-fi and the future. |
The PSNI is considering the use of mini drones to combat crime and the dissident republican threat. | The PSNI is considering the use of mini drones to combat crime and the dissident republican threat. |
They are not the large missile carrying drones used by the US military. | They are not the large missile carrying drones used by the US military. |
It is understood the models being considered are small enough to fit into a rucksack and can be assembled and deployed within minutes. | It is understood the models being considered are small enough to fit into a rucksack and can be assembled and deployed within minutes. |
The manufacturers of one of these unmanned aerial vehicles, known by the military as UAVs, say it snaps together as easily as children's building blocks. | |
It might look like a toy - but it's anything but. | It might look like a toy - but it's anything but. |
'Game-changing' | 'Game-changing' |
It is fitted with a camera that automatically tracks a subject, can relay live pictures back to the operator, has a three kilometre range and flies at ground speeds of 50 kilometres an hour. | It is fitted with a camera that automatically tracks a subject, can relay live pictures back to the operator, has a three kilometre range and flies at ground speeds of 50 kilometres an hour. |
The UAVs are described as game changing technology - policing from the sky. Indeed, one source told me they could act as modern day watch towers. | The UAVs are described as game changing technology - policing from the sky. Indeed, one source told me they could act as modern day watch towers. |
Security sources say border areas like south Armagh are where the use of the technology would be most valuable because they can cover large areas at a fraction of the cost of a helicopter. | Security sources say border areas like south Armagh are where the use of the technology would be most valuable because they can cover large areas at a fraction of the cost of a helicopter. |
They are not so easy to use in built-up urban areas, where they're also governed by tighter regulations. | They are not so easy to use in built-up urban areas, where they're also governed by tighter regulations. |
Because of potential risks to other aircraft and people on the ground, the Civil Aviation Authority must grant permission for UAVs to take to the skies. | Because of potential risks to other aircraft and people on the ground, the Civil Aviation Authority must grant permission for UAVs to take to the skies. |
The CAA has confirmed to the BBC that it has already had discussions with the PSNI about possible drone deployment. | The CAA has confirmed to the BBC that it has already had discussions with the PSNI about possible drone deployment. |
The drones, or UAVs, used by law enforcement agencies around the world, have already been deployed by some UK police forces. | The drones, or UAVs, used by law enforcement agencies around the world, have already been deployed by some UK police forces. |
River crash | River crash |
But there have been problems. A drone used by police in Liverpool crashed into the river Mersey. In addition there were red faces when police discovered they hadn't obtained the necessary CAA permission. | But there have been problems. A drone used by police in Liverpool crashed into the river Mersey. In addition there were red faces when police discovered they hadn't obtained the necessary CAA permission. |
At a time when policing budgets are under pressure, there is a strong economic argument for their deployment. | At a time when policing budgets are under pressure, there is a strong economic argument for their deployment. |
The latest police helicopter cost £7m when it was bought last year. | The latest police helicopter cost £7m when it was bought last year. |
Adding up the figures, maintenance, fuel and pilot salaries, running the police's fleet of three helicopter costs over £1.5m every year. | Adding up the figures, maintenance, fuel and pilot salaries, running the police's fleet of three helicopter costs over £1.5m every year. |
A police drone could cost at most £150,000 and, powered by batteries and able to remain airborne for up to seven hours, the running costs are substantially lower. | A police drone could cost at most £150,000 and, powered by batteries and able to remain airborne for up to seven hours, the running costs are substantially lower. |
In a statement to the BBC, the PSNI said it constantly reviews the availability of new equipment and technology but at this stage has no immediate plans to buy any UAVs. | In a statement to the BBC, the PSNI said it constantly reviews the availability of new equipment and technology but at this stage has no immediate plans to buy any UAVs. |
Earlier this year, the police were given a quarter of a billion pounds of additional funding to combat the threat from dissident republicans. | Earlier this year, the police were given a quarter of a billion pounds of additional funding to combat the threat from dissident republicans. |
If the police decide to deploy UAVs, they have the option of using some of this special security fund, or finance the purchase from the normal policing budget. | If the police decide to deploy UAVs, they have the option of using some of this special security fund, or finance the purchase from the normal policing budget. |
Previous version
1
Next version