A serious incident involving a police drone has left a child with significant injuries, prompting the police watchdog to launch its first-ever investigation into a civilian being hurt by such equipment.
Details of the Sheerness Incident
The incident occurred in Sheerness on the Isle of Sheppey shortly after 4pm on August 2. Kent Police officers had been called to respond to a report of an assault. As part of their search for a suspect, they deployed a drone to aid the operation.
During the flight, it is understood that the drone struck an overhead cable, causing it to fall from the sky. The device subsequently hit a child who was on the ground.
The injured child was rushed to a London hospital for treatment of serious hand injuries.
Watchdog Investigation and Misconduct Notice
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has confirmed it is leading an investigation into the crash. A spokesperson stated that as part of this ongoing process, a misconduct notice has been served on a special inspector from Kent Police who was operating the drone.
The IOPC was quick to clarify that "the serving of a notice does not necessarily mean disciplinary proceedings will follow". This step is a standard part of the investigative procedure to determine if professional conduct standards were breached.
A Landmark Case for Police Drone Use
This case marks a significant moment for UK law enforcement. The IOPC confirmed that this is the first time it has investigated a civilian injury caused by a police drone.
The drone involved is believed to have been a UAS DJI M30T model, a high-performance device designed for professional use. This type of drone weighs approximately 4kg and is typically equipped with thermal, wide, and zoom cameras.
The investigation will likely scrutinise the operational procedures and safety measures surrounding the use of such equipment in populated areas.
