The Metropolitan Police has launched a pioneering trial using drones as first responders to support officers attending emergency calls across London.
The initiative, part of the National Police Chiefs’ Council drones programme, aims to enhance public safety by delivering real-time intelligence faster than ever before.
The Drone as First Responder pilot began in Islington, with plans to expand to Hyde Park and the West End by the end of the year. Drones will be remotely launched from the Met’s control room and arrive at incidents within two minutes, streaming high-quality video to officers on the ground and in command centres.
The drones will assist with:
- Searching for missing persons
- Tracking suspects
- Capturing evidence at crime scenes
They offer a quieter, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly alternative to helicopters, while delivering the same operational benefits. The footage helps tailor emergency responses and ensures the right resources are deployed quickly.
National Lead for Drones, Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, said:
“Our Drone as First Responder programme will see police resources arriving at crime scenes across London quicker. They will assist in tracing trace suspects, locate locating missing people and delivering intelligence to our officers as they respond to Londoners when they need us most.
“We are building a Met that is more precise and efficient than ever before, and this new technology gives us a vital new tool to tackle crime in the capital.”
Drones are housed in weather-proof rooftop boxes at selected police buildings. When a 999 call is received, the control room can remotely launch a drone, which then transmits live video back to officers and analysts. After the mission, the drone returns to its base, recharges, and awaits its next deployment.
This marks a significant shift from previous drone use, which required advance planning. The DFR model allows drones to be deployed within minutes, making them a core part of frontline policing.
Other forces trialling the technology include Norfolk Constabulary, West Midlands Police, and Cleveland Police.
The Met’s trial reflects a broader commitment to modernising policing through technology, helping officers respond faster, smarter, and more effectively to protect communities.
Image credit: iStock
