San Vicente Hosts Drill to Coordinate Drone Operations Among Security Forces

San Vicente del Raspeig's Local Police Air Unit organised the first drill on the use of drones for surveillance, held in the El Sabinar area. Accredited operators participated in the flight tests to manage the five deployed devices, alongside other police officers from Alicante and Mutxamel, and members of the Provincial Fire Consortium and the Police Unit attached to the Valencian Government.

The event was also attended by the mayor, Pachi Pascual, and the Security Councillor, Adrián García, who supported the test organised to coordinate the actions and use of resources by different security forces for more efficient management in emergencies and disasters. During their visit, the municipal officials gave a positive assessment of the role played by the new drone acquired by the Town Hall over the past two months.

The Local Police have directed the use of the drone to prevent and ensure the safety of people and to clarify criminal acts under investigation by providing high-precision recordings. Work is also underway on intervention and surveillance protocols to control illegal dumping and potential urban planning violations within the municipal area.

The Security Councillor stated that "in the first months of operation, with the help of the Air Unit, the coverage perimeter has been expanded to numerous areas, and the assistance provided by new technologies in hard-to-reach areas, during emergencies such as the blackout day, and in crowded spaces during events like the recent Patron Saint Festivities and Moors and Christians, has been demonstrated."

García recalled that the Local Police Air Unit used the drone on April 28, after the widespread power outage, to locate in real-time the areas still without power as night fell. According to the councillor, "this facilitated the deployment of resources and police vehicles in areas where there was a greater need to ensure maximum protection and safety for citizens, with the support of thermal cameras, which, even in darkness, allowed for continued surveillance."

The drone, operational since April, has its own communication autonomy and is supported by the recently acquired Advanced Command Post, as well as autonomous cameras equipped with night vision, vehicle control, and other technological accessories. Currently, the San Vicente Local Police have three licensed agents to pilot these devices, and there are plans to increase the number of accredited personnel.