Force ‘frontrunners’ in policing with drones

1 March 2023

Keith with one of the Force drones.

A chief drone pilot with the Force says he is ‘proud to have been part of such a big legacy’ as he reflects on a career that has helped to shape the future of policing.

In 2019, 23 years into service, PS Keith Bennett was asked if he wanted to be part of a pioneering drone project at West Midlands Police, as part of a wider initiative which involved forces looking into alternatives to helicopters.

Four years on and recent statistics show that last year, the West Midlands Drone Department completed more than 5,000 flights, clocking up a total of 1177 hours in 12 months. 

“The West Midlands Force has undoubtedly been frontrunners in the work the police do with drones,” explained Keith, who now manages 44 pilots and aircraft.

“In 2019, West Midlands made a brave move when it decided to offer 24/7 drone support - in fact, we might still be the only Force that does this.

“When it comes to drones supporting the police, West Midlands are driving the bus and I’m so proud to have been part of this legacy. It’s amazing to think that I was there at the beginning when our work with drones started.”

Keith, who had no experience with drones before he joined the team in 2019, had spent the majority of his former career in the police working in the dog unit.

“My passion was always working with police dogs,” Keith continued, “But when I saw what drones can offer and the potential they have, my passion switched. 

“I absolutely love working with drones but if you’d told me 29 years ago that I’d be flying these small planes, catching offenders and saving people using them, I wouldn’t have believed you. Back then, the idea of drones seemed like science fiction - even 10 years ago, drones weren’t really anything. 

“We’ve come on an amazing journey and isn’t over yet, drones have so much more to offer. West Midlands Police made a brave decision back then, and it’s certainly paying off now.”

While Keith explained how drones are definitely helping to shape the future of policing, he was quick to point out that they are by no means replacing helicopters.

“The work we do with drones supports that of the helicopters,” he said, “I like to think drones and helicopters working in harmony with one another.

“There are some things that helicopters cannot do, that drones can - and vice versa. For example, drones are a very cost-effective solution and can search a square mile in the air, in just 12 minutes, night or day. However, they can’t currently operate beyond the line of sight of the pilot, so at the moment, we can’t work on the likes of vehicle pursuits, for example.  

“There are definitely still things that helicopters are the ideal tool for in policing.”

From locating drug factories using thermal technology to catching offenders who try to escape the hands of officers, drones are constantly supporting the Force with a range of incidents on a daily basis.

“We can even live-stream footage from big events, like football matches or protests, using video recording technology, which helps staff in the control room make more effective, informed decisions, as and when they need to,” added Keith, whose work also involves educating amateur drone pilots around flying regulations. 

“Drones are also helping to bridge the gap between the police and community. Our team has more than 18,000 followers on Twitter, which is a demonstration of how the public has accepted the work we do.

“We also work with schools and at local community events, to showcase our drones. OK, they might not be as friendly as when we take puppies - our future police dogs - in, but they certainly generate interest and engagement from younger generations - something we know can be really difficult.”

A drone in action.

Most recently, the West Midlands Drone Department was recognised by the International Emergency Drone Organisation (IEDO), winning Best Drone Response to a Search and Rescue Operation.

The award comes after the team helped to rescue two lost females who had no signal on their phones and were stranded in ankle-deep mud in Sutton Park, a 2,400-acre nature reserve.

“As the night was getting darker, the two women had been identified as vulnerable,” explained Keith, who is heading into his 30th year in service.

“Using the drone, we were able to find them. It seems like such a small thing, but essentially, that could’ve been a really life-threatening situation. 

“It’s events like that which are really rewarding. There are so many examples of when my team have helped find vulnerable people or catch offenders, and that makes me immensely proud. 

“On a daily basis, we continue to help those who need us. We help to save lives and sometimes, you wonder how different the outcome would’ve been without drones being involved.”

The team are also set to feature in an up-and-coming six-episode series, which will give viewers a fly-on-the-wall insight into West Midlands Drone Department.

The series, which followed the team for nine weeks, will be broadcast on Channel 4 later this year.