National Police Air Service
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: This side of the river Tweed
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
National Police Air Service
What is going on with the National Police Air Service, they have been observed orbiting several locations for upto two hours at a time.
Gnome de PPRuNe
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Too close to Croydon for comfort
Age: 60
Posts: 12,636
Received 300 Likes
on
168 Posts
Exactly what they do. I wonder what they would be there for if they weren't doing that. My local Air Support Unit has being doing some sterling work round here recently
It looks very much as though they were tracking (some might suggest spying on) people enjoying the excellent weather on Saturday, and in all probability directing the police on the ground towards areas where people were perceived to be breaking the lockdown regulations. It is difficult to see what else might link the areas that were under surveillance; it isn't, for example, as though the aircraft was tracking someone making a break for it (for whatever reason) down the M1.
If the police are using the aircraft for such surveillance of mostly innocent people you have to ask if such behaviour is really acceptable in our society; after all, how long can it be before they are looking into peoples gardens, on the pretext of covid-19 restrictions?
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Europe
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I've heard of several forces using drones quite a bit. Right down to response team level. A lot cheaper than a helicopter and instantly available if a skilled officer on duty.
