POLICE in Dorset will use drones in the fight against crime from the end of this month.

From November 26 Dorset Police will embark on a six-month trial using two Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).

Inspector Andy Hamilton said they could be used for a variety of policing matters including searches for missing persons and even firearms incidents.

There are also plans to use them for crime scene photography and responding to major incidents.

The drones, a Phantom 2 plus + and a DJI Inspire, are equipped with high definition (HD) cameras which can capture both video and still images.

They will also be trialled by Devon and Cornwall Police from today.

Insp Hamilton, who is leading the trials as part of the Alliance Operations department, said: "Drones offer many benefits that complement the National Police Air Service (NPAS) Helicopter and are by no means a replacement for this service.

"This technology offers a potentially highly cost effective approach to missing person searches, crime scene photography, and responding to major road traffic collisions.

"Using a drone to capture footage on difficult terrain and hard to reach areas such as cliffs or woodland to find a missing person, combat wildlife crime or even a firearm incident, will allow officers to gain vital information, quickly, safely, and allow us to respond effectively at the scene."

Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulations state that drone operators must pass a national CAA accredited qualification. Dorset currently has three trained pilots.

Pilots are required to be on the ground in the vicinity of the drone and it must remain in visual range.

Insp Hamilton added: "This technology still has its limitations. The models we are trialling are currently unable to fly at night or in adverse weather, but having the option to put a drone in the air in a few minutes’ notice could help save lives.

"The drones have a HD downlink which means officers on the ground can see live footage captured by the drone in the air. It can stay in the air for up to 18 minutes at a time before returning to the operator to change batteries. Each drone has several batteries and therefore can be kept operational for a prolonged period of time if required."