Police drones could be used for car chases, tracking hidden suspects, monitoring riots or protests or traffic violations - but UK airspace is so crowded complex restrictions would need to be reworked before they could be used.
Huw Williams, unmanned systems editor for Jane's Defence Weekly, the authoritative military journal, told HuffPost UK that police drones would be cheaper in money and manpower, but could currently not be used in UK airspace.
On Monday, Police minister Damian Green backed the use of controversial unmanned drones to patrol the UK's skies, to monitor criminal activity and provide air support, saying they should be treated like "any other piece of police kit."