Future Risks and Challenges

It is highly likely that the public and commercial use of UAVs will continue to rise sharply over the forthcoming years. Enhancements in technology and capability will also increase the threat and risk from UAVs from a policing perspective.  

Increased criminality - Crime trends, while sporadic, are already showing the use of drones in the commission of traditional crime. Similar to the use of the internet as a new way to commit traditional crimes, we will likely see the enabling of drones for this purpose.

Increased CT threat – While the risk remains low and unlikely at this time, it is arguable that terrorists may seek to exploit technologies for this purpose in future years.

Increased commercial use – several well-developed projects have begun testing the use of drones for delivery of products and longer term the carriage of passengers across the country. These successful tests are working towards the use of drone technology to create “skyway” routes in our airspace. Busier airspace will increase the risk of aviation accidents and, along with our partners, Police Scotland will undoubtedly have a key part to play in contingency plans around this.

Maintaining training and capability – In order to continue to meet current and future threats there is an ongoing relicensing requirement for both personnel and equipment.  This includes the UAV Tactical advisors, Airspace Commanders, Airspace security officers