DRONES are set to be utilised by police in Devon to help them tackle crime.

Devon and Cornwall police will be undertaking a six month trial of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to help officers with a number of tasks, including missing people searches and crime scene photography.

Starting from this week, police will be able to call upon two DJI Inspire 1 Drones which are equipped with high definition cameras which can capture both video and still images.

Inspector Andy Hamilton, who is heading up the trial, said: “Drones offer many benefits that complement the National Police Air Service (NPAS) Helicopter.

"This technology offers a highly cost effective approach to missing person searches, crime scene photography, and responding to major road traffic collisions.

“Using a drone to capture footage on difficult terrain and hard to reach areas such as cliffs, woodland or the moors to find a missing person, combat wildlife crime or even a firearm incident, will allow officers to gain vital information, quickly, safely, and allow us to respond effectively at the scene.”

Currently the force has three trained operators in place for the trial, including Inspector Hamilton, and there are plans to train further officers should the trial prove to be a success.

Insp Hamilton added: “This technology still has its limitations; the models we are trialling are currently unable to fly at night or in adverse weather, but having the option to put a drone in the air in a few minutes’ notice could help save lives.

“Both drones have a HD downlink which means officers on the ground can see live footage captured by the drone in the air. It can stay in the air for up to 18 minutes at a time before returning to the operator to change batteries. Each drone has several batteries and therefore can be kept operational for a prolonged period of time if required.”

To see where and when the force is using the drones, follow @DC_PoliceDrones.

From November 2, one drone is based in Exeter and the other in Plymouth.