Met police begins eight-week drone trial

The Metropolitan Police has begun an eight-week trial of an Aeryon Skyranger drone to support its policing operations. The UAV, being loaned to the Met by Sussex Police, will be available to officers dealing with incidents where air support would be of use, such as searching for suspects or weapon sweeps. It will also provide support for pre-planned and spontaneous firearms operations. Commander Simon Bray said: "UAVs are already being used by police forces across the UK; the MPS currently owns one for examining crime scenes. We are committed to working with technology that can assist our officers with the wide range of often difficult and dangerous incidents they deal with on a daily basis. We are starting an eight-week trial of the drone, which we hope will assist officers with both day-to-day policing and complex pre-planned operations."