Belgian Police Deploy Drones for Enhanced Operations

The Schelde-Leie police zone in Belgium is enhancing its operational capabilities with the introduction of two new drones. These advanced aerial devices will support officers across the municipalities of Nazareth-De Pinte, Sint-Martens-Latem, and Gavere.

The drones are equipped with sophisticated technology, including high-definition cameras, thermal imaging, a built-in loudspeaker, and a powerful LED spotlight. This allows for effective deployment even in challenging conditions, such as during nighttime searches for missing individuals.

"We primarily want to use the drones to better direct our teams from the air," explained Chief Inspector Hans Merckx of the drone team. "For planned events, this will mainly involve crowd control. During interventions, ground teams can be guided to locate missing persons or apprehend suspects."

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We primarily want to use the drones to better direct our teams from the air. For planned events, this will mainly involve crowd control. During interventions, ground teams can be guided to locate missing persons or apprehend suspects.

Chief Inspector Merckx highlighted the significant advantage of having an aerial perspective. "The added value is having eyes in the sky, allowing us to see much more than from the ground," added Inspector Koen D'Hondt. "This is useful for monitoring traffic flow to and from events, or for mapping out the situation at major traffic accidents."

To ensure safe and proper operation, the police zone established a specialized drone team. One chief inspector and four inspectors completed the necessary training. The drones, each costing 9,000 euros, are slated for deployment at upcoming events like Zeverrock and the World Cup cyclocross in Gavere.

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The added value is having eyes in the sky, allowing us to see much more than from the ground. This is useful for monitoring traffic flow to and from events, or for mapping out the situation at major traffic accidents.