Dorset drone industry event held to encourage collaboration in fight against illegal use

By Stephen Emerson

16 June 2023

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Criminals are developing and adapting drones

Salisbury-based Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) hosted a collaborative digital forensics workshop to help combat the illegal use of drones.

The Inside X event at the Defence BattleLab in Dorset was attended by digital forensics examiners from many UK police forces and national organisations, drone manufacturers, software suppliers and specialist technology experts.

As drones continue to increase in popularity, there has been significant use in criminal activity as seen by UK policing, as well as their frequent use in conflict environments.

Flying displays demonstrated the capability and versatility of commercial and custom-built aircrafts. Participants also had the opportunity to understand how both types of drones connect to their controller, how the data is conveyed back to the pilot and how the drone performs. Techniques to counter drones were also discussed.

Detective Chief Inspector Ed McBryde-Wilding, Police Adviser on Digital, Data and Covert Policing said:

“This Home Office commissioned event was the first of its kind, bringing together experience from drone forensic experts across the law enforcement digital forensics community, to enhance our understanding of this important technology.

“Creating the space for specialist digital officers to examine emerging technologies like drone forensics is vital for improving capability in our law enforcement response and we will continue to explore how we can use them to keep the public safe.”

By Stephen Emerson

Stephen Emerson is the Managing Editor of The Business Magazine and is responsible for the publication's print publications and online properties including the newly launched Biz News websites in Hampshire and Dorset.

Stephen has been a journalist for 20 years and has worked at local, regional and national publications and led a team which made The Scotsman website one of the fastest growing news sites in the UK with over eight million monthly users.

He has a keen interest in technology, property and corporate finance and telling the stories of the people behind the successful firms in these sectors.