Report Summary
This report provides members of the Policing Performance Committee with an update on Police Scotland’s Air Support Unit use of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS).
To access the full document please open the PDF document above.
To view as accessible content please use the sections below. (Note that tables and some appendices are not available as accessible content).
PROCUREMENT
RPAS have continued to be highly visible in our communities, deploying in support of Local Policing and Specialist officers. RPAS have supported missing person searches, events, image requests, days of action and operations.
This visibility has contributed significantly to local confidence in Police Scotland’s use of RPAS technology.
As the figures below show there is a demand for RPAS support across Scotland. Dundee and Edinburgh Hubs are fully operational, providing a reactive and proactive response model for local policing. These hubs have enhanced Air Support availability and responsiveness in East and North Command.
The lower level of deployments in the West reflects that the Glasgow hub, also has responsibility for training and planning.
In Autumn 2025 it is planned that Glasgow will transition to the same model as Dundee and Edinburgh and it is anticipated deployments will increase in West Command.
TABLE
