Chennai gets ‘Drone Police Unit’, first of its kind in India

According to police officials, a total of nine drones under three categories are available in this unit.

2 min readChennaiUpdated: Jun 30, 2023 02:12 PM IST

The project, which costs approximately Rs 3.6 crore according a press release by the GCP, was inaugurated by outgoing Tamil Nadu Director General of Police (DGP) C Sylendra Babu, in the presence of Chennai Police Commissioner Shankar Jiwal at Besant Avenue, Adyar. (Express photo)

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Chennai gets ‘Drone Police Unit’, first of its kind in India

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In what is believed to be first of its kind initiative in India, Greater Chennai Police on Thursday established a ‘Drone Police Unit’ to assist cops in aerial surveillance. This will particularly be helpful in case of large gatherings, real-time checking of vehicle registration data and spotting of suspects.

According to the police, a total of nine drones under three categories are available in this unit: Quick Response Surveillance Drones (6), Heavy Lift Multirotor Drone (1) and Long Range Survey Wing Place (2). These are all equipped with built-in artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities and can be operated up to a distance of 5-10 km from the ground station.

“These drones equipped with AI technology can accurate estimate crowds during festivals or other gatherings, thereby enabling police to correctly plan crowd control strategies. Also, the drones are equipped with ANPR cameras which are capable of doing real-time checking with the vehicles registration database and spot suspects, stolen vehicles,” the GCP release said.

The release also said that the Heavy Lift Drone, equipped with thermal cameras, is capable of detecting and rescuing people caught in sea waves by deploying life jackets, even during the night.

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