Liverpool police 'spy-bot' drowns in River Mersey
After training exercise goes awry, police decide not to replace £13,000 drone
THE UNMANNED police drone that celebrated its first arrest just last year is no longer after a disastrous training day session at a Liverpool police social club left it sinking to the bottom of the River Mersey.
The drone, essentially a toy-sized remote-control helicopter, ran out of battery in mid-air during a routine training exercise, reports the Daily Mail. Its efforts to make a safety landing were unsuccessful, and after police failed to locate it in the water, it was abandoned.
Originally meant to be used as a surveillance tool to tackle anti-social behaviour, monitor congestion and assist in investigations, the UAVs quickly came under fire for being too Orwellian. They weigh about the same as a bag of sugar, and are equipped with CCTV cameras and thermal imaging technology, making them especially effective in low visibility situations.
It seems police excitement over the little robot has died down since its introduction in 2007. "Initially the force identified the potential benefits of a Unmanned Aerial Vehicle," said a police spokesman, "but during its use officers recognised certain technical and operational issues."
Although insurers have compensated Merseyside Police for the full £13,000 cost of the drone, senior officers have decided against replacing the 'spy-bot'. ·
