Met Police trial drones as first responders in London

The Metropolitan Police Service has launched a new trial that will see drones deployed to incidents to support frontline officers responding to emergencies.

The Drone as First Responder (DFR) programme allows drones to be launched remotely from the Met’s control room and piloted by trained operators. Arriving on scene within two minutes, the drones stream live, high-quality footage to officers both at the incident and in the control room, providing real-time situational awareness.

The technology is designed to help officers respond faster and with better intelligence, supporting a range of operational needs such as locating missing people, tracing suspects and capturing evidence.

Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, the NPCC lead for drones, said the initiative will help make police responses more efficient:

“Our Drone as First Responder programme will see police resources arriving at crime scenes across London quicker. They will assist in tracing suspects, locating missing people and delivering intelligence to our officers as they respond to Londoners when they need us most.”

He added that drones offer a quicker, quieter and more sustainable alternative to helicopters while providing similar operational benefits.

“This is an exciting opportunity to bring the many benefits and efficiencies of the Drone as First Responder programme to London, supporting both officer and community safety. The technology has proven a gamechanger in many incidents across the UK.”

Superintendent Taryn Evans, NPCC Drones Programme Lead.

The pilot has launched in Islington, with plans to expand to two further sites, the West End and Hyde Park, before the end of the year.

How it works

Each drone is stored in a weatherproof box on the roof of a police building, where it remains charged and ready for deployment. When a 999 call is received, control room staff can remotely launch the drone, which will capture and transmit live footage back to the command centre and mobile users.

Once the incident concludes, the drone automatically returns to its base to recharge for its next mission.

While the Met has previously used drones to support planned operations, the DFR programme introduces the capability to respond within minutes of an emergency call.

The Met’s trial forms part of the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s wider DFR programme, which is also being tested by Norfolk Constabulary, Cleveland Police, West Midlands Police, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary and Thames Valley Police Joint Operations Unit.

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