Police drones are being installed at Molineux and Villa Park in a UK-first as technology is used to keep fans and communities safe.
West Midlands Police have teamed up with Wolves, Aston Villa, the Premier League and the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) for a pioneering project, which will enable live footage of crowds coming to and from matches to be beamed into club control rooms using satellite internet.
The project got underway in January, with a successful test flight of existing drones and the new satellite kit at Wolves’ game against West Ham United, as well as Aston Villa’s game against Nottingham Forest.
The next phase will see weather-proof drone hubs installed at the two stadiums. They will permanently house drones which are capable of being flown by experienced police pilots working from control rooms many miles away.
As well as supporting our match-day policing operations, the drones can be launched at a moment’s notice to any other emergency incidents.
West Midlands Police drone
That could include the search for missing people, or to give officers a real-time view following a serious collision, before officers have arrived on scene.
The project has also seen investment to increase our ability to detect and safely deal with any drones flying illegally around the Premier League grounds.
ACC Matt Welsted, leading the project for West Midlands Police, said: “This is a truly groundbreaking use of technology which will have a real impact on fan safety at football matches, and wider public safety in the West Midlands.
“It’ll mean the police officers and club officials who share the job of ensuring crowds get to and from grounds safely will have access to live video, so any issues with congestion can be dealt with swiftly and safely.
“And it’s not just football fans who will benefit. We’ll be using the drones as first responders, so that they can take off even when teams aren’t playing, and get to the scene of serious collisions, or help with searches for wanted or missing people quickly and safely.
“We’re incredibly excited about the use of technology, and how we’re working with partners to innovate and make the region safer for everyone.”
Sye Roberts, Aston Villa’s VP of Security and Matchday Safety said: “We welcome the installation of police drones at Villa Park, which have already proven to be a valuable addition to our operation.
“They allow us to monitor the wider area around the stadium more effectively, and we’ve already seen positive results, including the detection and prevention of unauthorised drone flights
“We look forward to further deployments and are already exploring how this technology could be expanded to support other major events, such as concerts, to help keep fans and local communities safe.”
The pioneering project is part of a national partnership between the Premier League and the NPCC to improve matchday safety at grounds across the country.