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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Politics
Rajeev Syal and Vikram Dodd

Hunt announces funds for police to use drones as ‘first responders’

Officers from Devon & Cornwall police fly a drone.
Officers from Devon & Cornwall police fly a drone. Norfolk police will trial the use of drones as first responders in emergency situations, with officers remotely operating craft beyond their line of sight. Photograph: Ben Birchall/PA

Drones will be increasingly used as “first responders” when the public report incidents to emergency services, under plans announced by the chancellor in the spring budget on Wednesday.

Jeremy Hunt told MPs £230m would be set aside for police to spend on “time- and money-saving technology” such as unmanned flying vehicles and video technology.

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