REVEALED: How much North Wales Police spends on drones
A Freedom of Information (FOI) Act request published on its website asked: "For each year between 2020 and 2024, how many drones has your police force operated?" and "How much money has been invested in your police forces drone program, for each year between 2020 and 2024?"
That revealed that between 2020-2022, the force had four drones in their ranks, which cost £405,768 (Only started towards end of financial year 2020/21, so 2020/21 and 2021/22 costs included).
In 2022/23, that moved up to seven drones at a cost of £398,784.
In 2023/24, that figure was 11 drones at a cost of £488,229.
And this year, the total now stands at 15 drones used by the force, at a cost of £581,725.
The drones are used in a number of cases, for example, to track down missing people or to catch criminals red handed.
The FOI further reveals that North Wales Police operates a dedicated team of drone operators and additional pilots who have other primary roles.
It also adds that training a drone pilot costs around £1,000 with a course taking place over 13 days.
The Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales, Andy Dunbobbin, hailed the use of drones as an 'indispensable part of policing'.
He added that there are plans in place to continue investing in such technology to deal with 'challenges' face within policing.
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Mr Dunbobbin said: "In recent years, the use of drones has become an indispensable part of policing and fighting crime.
"For example, they have proved effective in cases of missing persons, where drones are able to scan landscapes and reach remote locations faster and more effectively than traditional means.
"Prior to becoming Police and Crime Commissioner, I had a professional background in IT and the digital sphere and so I recognise how important it is to keep pace with changes in technology.
"My Police and Crime Plan for North Wales pledges to continue to invest in technology and digital skills to deal with the challenges we face in policing, both now and into the future.
"I fully support North Wales Police and their drone unit in making the most of drones and other developing technologies for the benefit of the public and in fighting crime.'
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