POLICE are set to launch a 24-hour drone "flying squad" to chase criminals and hunt for missing people, it's been revealed.

Devon and Cornwall Police have advertised for a drone manager to head up their new dedicated team ahead of a summer launch - with forces across the country expected to follow suit.

3 Police are set to launch the first 24 hour drone 'flying squad' Credit: PA:Press Association

The technology is cheaper to operate than helicopters and can perform some duties typically carried out by officers - prompting concerns it could lead to cuts as well as privacy issues.

National spokesman on drones, Assistant Chief Constable Steve Barry, said the devices could see senior staff "rationalising" over whether it's cheaper and more efficient to launch a drone or send a cop to a crime scene.

He told the Daily Mail: "There may be an opportunity at some point in the future to rationalise what we need our cops to do because we find drones can do it more effectively and more cost-efficiently … an example of that would be looking for missing people."

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Mr Barry says it's about "freeing resources".

He continued: "If delivering the best service within the budget means using drones for something, a cop is now free to go to that burglary."

A total of 21 forces are reportedly experimenting with the remote-controlled aerial vehicles to carry out various duties.

Drones can be used to photograph and video crime scenes, which can be used for everyday search missions, protests, football matches and have even been tested for use in terror attacks.

3 Devon and Cornwall Police had advertised for a drone manager to head up its new dedicated unit

Devon and Cornwall Police, which covers the largest force area in England, is the first force to set up a dedicated unit - and recently closed applications for a drone manager role.

The successful candidate's work will be split across three counties, including neighbouring Dorset, and will be responsible for "managing an operational and dynamic drone response from nine policing centres".

It's expected that the new unit will allow officers to respond to incidents more quickly as drones can reach areas, especially across rural parts of the patch, faster than officers on foot.

3 Drones can be used to carry out everyday search missions as well as oversee football matches and protests Credit: PA:Press Association

Mr Barry, who works for Sussex Police, added: "I would not be at all surprised if other forces follow in due course – the question is not whether they will, it’s when."

His force is considering whether to set-up full time units along with Surrey Police - though both currently have officers using the technology in a part-time capacity.

Drones are also expected to save forces thousands - as the piece of kit can be bought for as little as £1,000 and the only operating cost is the battery.

Whereas the average helicopter flight is around £1,200.

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