Two new pilots join Nottinghamshire Police drones team

Even in the dead of night, officers now have access to drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras

Two new police drone pilots have joined the Nottinghamshire Police drones team and are now on duty after completing weeks of arduous training.

PC Amy Botham and PC Ty Foers completed their two-week training earlier this month, during which they learned how to fly and use the force’s fleet of remote aircraft safely and effectively.

Particular attention was paid to aerial search procedures over open terrain as more than a third of current drone call-outs relate to missing people.

In the past, these searches would have involved either a slow and methodical ground search by officers, or a costly mission involving a police helicopter.

Officers now have access to drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras – a resource that has already been used to save lives.

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PC Botham said: “I have been a response officer for the last 15 years and I’m really excited by this opportunity.

"Drone technology is playing an ever more important part in our work and the technology is evolving and improving all the time.

“As a police officer it is great to learn new skills and develop in your career and I can’t wait to get started in this new role.

“There’s been a huge amount to learn and the training we have received has been excellent.”

Both new pilots completed written exams in addition to practical flight tests and a scenario-based exercise simulating a search for a missing person.

Sergeant Vince Saunders, chief drone pilot at Nottinghamshire Police, added: “I am delighted to welcome our two new pilots to the team and have every confidence they will rise to every challenge that is set for them.”