The drones will be based at key locations across the network where there are spikes in trespass and other disruption incidents, and flown remotely from the force control room in London.
The majority of typical drone operations are conducted within the Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) of the pilot, which is around 500 meters for a small drone. However, the police are able to operate beyond this distance (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) using State Aircraft legislation.
BTP are the first force to obtain legal advice and use Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) routinely and regularly in support of policing, rather than just for emergencies.
As well as the relevant legal advice, its dedicated team have carried out significant work behind the scenes to ensure they are operating under a robust framework in which to fly safely.
Last month BTP hosted a launch event at one of the pilot sites in Leeds which involved a live demonstration of the drone capability with industry partners including Network Rail, Department for Transport, NPCC Drones, West Yorkshire Police, Northern Rail, and the British Transport Police Authority (BTPA).
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The Forensic Opportunities Trawl (FOT) project will review closed CCRC applications where the applicant was convicted of rape or murder before 1 January 2016 and the identity of the offender is in issue. The objective of the FOT is to identify those cases where there are forensic opportunities and to pursue relevant lines of investigation. The project will also identify lessons and opportunities for improvement in the CCRC’s regular casework. Cases are assessed at phase 2 and detailed investigations carried out at phase 3. The purpose of the Investigations Adviser role is to conduct phase 2 assessments, recommend which cases progress to phase 3, and provide advice on potential lines of investigation at phase 3.
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