The Metropolitan Police is expanding its technology use across London by deploying drones to respond to certain 999 emergency calls. Force Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley plans to develop a city-wide drone network and called for greater freedom to utilise artificial intelligence and facial recognition without waiting for new laws. Rowley argued that funding should be directed towards technology rather than officer recruitment, highlighting that the force spends around £6,000 per head on technology compared to £13,000 in other public bodies. However, campaign group Big Brother Watch branded the drone expansion alarming, while Metropolitan Police Federation Chair Paula Dodds strongly criticised the shift towards technology funding over officers on the beat.

Background: Police Drones and Aerial Surveillance

← Back to the news feed