Taipei police force have set up a new unit which will operate unmanned aerial vehicles, popularly known as drones. These will help the police conduct surveillance, supervise crowds and monitor traffic, among other uses.
Police in Taipei City have recognized the importance of aerial support in the form of drones. They established a new drone unit, which currently operates five devices, some of which can withstand moderately strong winds and record footage at night.
Cheng Kuo-lung, who heads the new unit, says drones can quickly and discreetly follow suspects and help with collecting evidence, especially at night.
Aerial monitoring is especially useful when maintaining order at large-scale events, keeping watch over the movement of the crowd. The drones can also recognize objects like cars and help analyze traffic flows or report on emergencies and accidents. And in remote areas, drones can help map out changes in terrain.
A member of the new unit, Tsai Hsin-yin, says that she first started working with drones after only a week of training. But what once felt strange, has become more familiar through instruction.
All 22 members of the new unit are improving their expertise, and the unit itself will see expansion in the future. They expect to receive drones capable of infrared thermal imaging next year. With these devices the police force will be able to better protect the people while they sleep.