SOUTH Wales Police is to begin using drones to keep communities safe and fight crime.
The force acquired the formally-named unmanned aerial vehicle (UAVs), which will be used to carry out a wide range of tasks, including assisting with searches for missing people, policing large scale events, tackling anti-social behaviour and keeping officers safe.
Regulated in the UK by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), UAVs offer front line officers a different perspective on policing, said a spokesman.
There are currently 14 police forces in England and Wales using drones and South Wales Police is the latest force to take advantage of the new technology.
CAA regulations state that drone operators must pass a national CAA accredited qualification.
The force currently has 10 trained operators in place, their skills will be used to detect and deter crime across South Wales.
They will complement the service provided by the National Police Air Service and the force has worked closely with them in developing drones within South Wales.
South Wales Police will initially be utilising drones to prevent and deter rural crime and at planned police operations.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here