Drone and helicopter camera surveillance

The cameras will provide the Police with an up-to-date situational picture which will enable a quick response to any ongoing criminal acts. The footage captured by the cameras will also be of use to the Police when investigating and prosecuting individuals who commit criminal offences. 

For several months now, a radio-controlled drone, the so-called "SensoCopter" with a diameter of around one metre, has been used by the Saxon police for various operations (e.g. football matches). Equipped with camera technology, the "flying eye" transfers images from the filmed scene of the incident to the police command centre. The images are used to make decisions when directing the emergency services and, if necessary, for prosecution. Despite the civilian ban zone on flying drones, their use is authorised by the general order of the City of Leipzig.

In direct comparison with a helicopter, the advantages of the compact and lightweight drone are obvious: the SensoCopter is lighter and can therefore be used more quickly and flexibly at different locations. The flight noise is also much quieter than that of a helicopter and does not disturb at events. Only a small number of personnel are required for operation and the costs are kept within limits. In addition, the installed technology is flexible and can be replaced quickly if necessary.

The helicopter is also a tool used by the Saxon police to deal with a wide variety of operational situations. Aerial support is provided quickly, directly and with a wide range of sensors that go far beyond human vision. In addition to effectively assisting with law enforcement tasks and in fire and disaster protection, its diverse tasks also include transporting people from special units to government representatives.

The helicopter squadron is based in Dresden as a specialised service of the Presidium of the Saxony Riot Police. Leipzig is only 20 minutes away by helicopter. The helicopter can also be easily deployed on the grounds of the riot police in Leipzig, at the airport or at any other locations.

The Saxon police force currently has three Airbus Helicopters EC 135 helicopters in different versions. This so-called light observation helicopter can reach speeds of up to approx. 220 km/h and a maximum flight altitude of approx. 6,000 metres. Depending on the version, ranges of up to 550 kilometres are possible. 

With searchlights, external loudspeakers and highly sensitive camera technology, the operational spectrum of the police helicopter is as wide as that of many rother resources combined. . Whether by day or night, in dry conditions or snow, in the lowlands or in the mountains: the helicopter can cope with many situations.

And so the helicopters of the Saxon police will also be in action during the European Football Championships, providing support for a wide range of tasks, from image transmission to the police command centre to transporting people.