London's Metropolitan Police could be one of the first police forces in the world to get a crack squad of drone-killing eagles.
Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe is considering using the birds to tackle the rising problem of drones being flown close to buildings and public events. According to The Times the police force is investigating the technique, which has already been demonstrated by authorities in the Netherlands.
A video from the Dutch National Police force, released at the end of January, showed an eagle taking off and grabbing a quadcopter in mid-air. The eagle then drags the UAV away from its original location as it brings it to the ground.
The idea behind using birds as an anti-drone measure, according to eagle training company Guard From Above and the Dutch Police, is to protect people from drones. For example, if a drone is carrying explosives the eagle would carry it away from the intended target area.
Fears of drones being used as part of terror attacks or to cause damage to public infrastructure have been growing in recent years. In January a report from the Remote Control project -- which is hosted by the Oxford Research Group -- said the UK was at risk from "simple and effective" terrorists attacks using drones. The report said high profile politicians or events could be targeted using drones purchased on the high street.
At present police are told to only take control of a drone in exceptional circumstances, such as a threat to life or damage to property occurring.
Documents providing advice to police officers, obtained by WIRED in November 2015, advised: "Trying to land the system yourself may cause the drone to crash leading to a very real risk of injury to persons and damage to property (in addition to destroying the drone)." "As would be expected in an organisation that is transforming we take an interest in all innovative new ideas and will of course be looking at the work of the Dutch police use of eagles," a spokesperson for the Met said.
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
