Police considering use of drones to fight crime in Islington, reveals borough commander Catherine Roper
Could this be the future of policing in Camden and Islington? Picture: John Nguyen/PA Images - Credit: PA Wire/PA Images
Islington’s top cop this week suggested she could use drones to fight crime in the borough.
Detective Chief Superintendent Catherine Roper, Borough Commander. - Credit: Archant
Borough commander Det Ch Supt Catherine Roper, who was also put in charge of Camden last year, was speaking to the Camden Safer Neighbourhood Board (CSNB) at Camden Town Hall last night.
Asked by an audience member about drones, she said: “We don’t deploy them but I’m looking to change that.
“I think Camden and Islington would be a great place to trial them.”
She said the drone strategy is being run by central units at the Met – and mentioned “absolutely ridiculous CAA [Civil Aviation Authority] rules” governing the technology’s use – but said there were many other concerns that must be overcome first.
She said: “There are huge issues around privacy and human rights, of course,” adding that she will explore the possibilities further.
