Police drones for underwater investigation

Saturday 13 May, 2023 | 12:58 AM

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A drone that dives underwater and provides real-time footage has been deployed by the police for search and rescue missions. Underwater drones will be used to locate missing persons, dead bodies, and weapons left behind by suspects. Drones will be provided to the 20 police districts to be used for other surveillance purposes. The drone program is under the supervision of IGP Prakash.

25 policemen were sent to the Madras Institute of Technology to get trained on how to fly drones. 20 people were also trained in the drone forensic lab of the police. One remote pilot in charge and two co-pilots each will be appointed in the districts. The footage will be available in the state control room.

High-ranking officials, including the Chief of Police, can monitor the drone footage from anywhere in Kerala in real-time and give instructions. Drones will be deployed in conflict-prone and disaster-prone areas. The police will soon procure heavy-lift drones capable of delivering 20 kg of supplies, including medicines and life-saving equipment, to disaster areas. Thiruvananthapuram City Police has five drones.

Law enforcement and life-saving mission

Observation of public gatherings and rallies
For crowd control and surveillance at the festival area
For traffic monitoring and clearing traffic congestion
For investigation in wet and marshy areas where the police cannot reach physically
For disaster assessment and rescue missions in flood, landslide, and mudflow areas
To find dead bodies and evidences in connection with crimes

Price 1.5 - 9 lakhs

Surveillance drones cost up to Rs 1.5 lakh. 9 lakhs for ones that work underwater. Police built eight in collaboration with the start-up and the rest were purchased. They will fly continuously for half an hour, and then a spare battery need to be used. Each drone has four spare batteries and hence can operate for 2 hours.

"They are good for monitoring and maintaining law and order. 100 people will be trained to fly drones.

P Prakash

IG, Cyberdome