The Calpe Local Police has set up a specific aerial resources’ unit called UMAC (Calpe Aerial Resources Unit) made up of four officers trained in the use of security drones.
This unit was created with the acquisition by the City Council of 2 latest generation security drones model DJI Pack Mavic 3 PRO, one of which has an infrared camera for night vision to locate people or animals.
The drones have cameras with different zoom, loudspeaker and spotlight and have a range of 10 kilometres. These devices also have an automatic tracking system for identified vehicles and people, a parachute to cushion falls in the event of flying over urban areas and sensors to avoid collisions with obstacles. The equipment, with an investment of €10,000, includes not only the drones, but also 6 batteries and training for the officers, as well as licences and insurance.
The new unit of the Local Police includes multiple functions, from traffic control or pursuit of vehicles and people to surveillance of boats, assistance in health services, search for missing persons, surveillance at rallies and events, pursuit of illegal dumping and environmental crimes or surveillance of promenades and pursuit of illegal sales.
The Councillor for Public Safety, Guillermo Sendra, pointed out that ‘the UMAC is related to security issues and traffic control, the unit is going to be formed little by little as its functions are multiple, from traffic control or search for people to the control of illegal dumping. It has a camera, spotlight and microphone, so it can be used at night and can be used to hold conversations in the event of rescues or situations that are difficult to access. Although the devices are small, they are the latest in this type of technology and will become an essential tool for the Police and the City Council’.