Police drones are being installed at Molineux and Villa Park in a UK-first as we use cutting edge technology 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 our 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.
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.
Steve Sutton, Wolves’ facilities, safety and security director, said: “We’re proud to be a part of this pioneering partnership that puts supporter safety at the forefront.
“The introduction of West Midlands Police operated drones at Molineux will give us a clearer, real-time picture of crowd movement and the surrounding area, helping us and the police to make more informed decisions on matchdays.
“This technology strengthens our existing safety operations and supports our joint commitment to ensuring that fans, staff, and our local community remain safe.”
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.”
Chief Constable, Mark Roberts QPM, the National Police Chief Council (NPCC) lead for football policing, said: “It’s great to see this partnership between Policing and the Premier League coming to fruition. As well as helping keep supporters safe at Villa and Wolves, there will be wider benefits for public safety and lessons we can learn for policing in general. It speaks to the positive relationship between the UKFPU, Police Forces, the Premier League, and clubs that we can get such a positive initiative implemented so quickly.”
