Wiltshire Police's drone team win top award for their 'eye in the sky' project

The achievements of Wiltshire Police's Special Constabulary Drone team have been recognised with a top national award.

The team of volunteers, who scooped  the  Technical Innovation Award at the Home Office Lord Ferrers Awards today, support the Force by providing 24/7 on-call cover to operational policing.

They are the eye in the sky for incidents such as missing people, road traffic collisions dangerous environments such as collapsed buildings and firearms.

The team, who have now been operating for over a year and a half, proposed the initiative to the Force due to their own interest in drones and seeing the potential support they could offer.

Special Superintendent Rachel Oaten leads the Special Constabulary and is part of the team. She said: “On behalf of the team I would like to say how honoured we all are to have won this award.

“As special constables we are pleased to offer support to operational policing in any way we can, but it is great to be able to use our interests, skills and experience to offer a service which can have such a significant impact on individuals and the community.

“When we first started the team we couldn’t anticipate how successful it would be, but we always had the support of the Force and I would like to thank them for their belief in our vision and in this team.

“I would also like to thank those members of the team who have moved on to pastures new and without their initial support this initiative would not be possible.”   

Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon, Angus Macpherson, said: “I am delighted that the Wiltshire Police drone unit has won this national award. It’s a real feather in the cap for our Special Constabulary.

"Volunteers play a pivotal role in our Force. This ‘eye in the sky’ technology helps police and other emergency services on the ground to find casualties, enabling life-saving first aid to be given.

“As well as safeguarding vulnerable people, our experienced drone pilots can help to track down offenders seeking to evade arrest.

"I am committed to keeping Wiltshire Police at the forefront of modern technology and leading the way with innovation to maintain Wiltshire as one of the safest places in the country to live."  

Chief Constable Kier Pritchard, said: “I am thrilled that our Special Constabulary volunteers have been recognised nationally at the Home Office Lord Ferrers Awards.

“The Unmanned Aerial Support Group, or Drone Team as they are fondly known, has shown impressive insight, innovation and commitment over the last year and a half.

“The drive and determination of these individuals was instrumental in the creation of this team, and the extensive hours they give to training and support is inspirational.  

“Together the team have helped deliver many exceptional operational outcomes, including where vulnerable people have been safeguarded, and where the public have been protected.

“I would personally like to thank them for all their support. As a Force we are so grateful for all the time you give us and we couldn’t be prouder of what you’ve achieved.”