A POLICE force has shown the unique training techniques their drone pilots undergo to refine their skills – using a children’s soft play area.
Lincolnshire Police officers were tasked with navigating the tight turns and unusual obstacles of a soft play area in a training session yesterday.
Far from the training courses you’d expect to see Lincolnshire’s finest undergoing, the force was praised for its “smart idea” by Brits impressed by the drone operator’s performance.
The footage shot by the training officers shows a small four bladed drone delicately navigating the complex array of obstacles.
Piloted by a trainee pilot, the drone deftly moves through small gaps, over and under obstacles in its path.
The incredible footage of the training even featured a drone navigating its way through a children’s slide.
Lincolnshire Police mostly use drones to complete building searches when there is a risk to officers.
The soft play area wasn’t chosen to protect the drones – which are reportedly quite sturdy and can survive impacts with hard surfaces – but was instead selected as it presented a complex and challenging environment for the officers to refine their skills.
Video of the drone was shared to social media yesterday with the caption: “As part of today’s training, we visited a children’s soft play area.
“We understand it may appear strange but it’s one of the most complex and challenging environments to refine our skills.”
The post has since received over 215 likes and more than 20 comments from social media users full of praise for the long arm of the law.
One user said: “This looks cool and fun but is also very interesting. Are you able to share what type of drone it is?”
Another joked: “Very nice of firearms to let you use their play area.”
A third wrote: “What a great idea. Would never have thought of that.”
Another replied: “Smart idea. Pity you don’t do a funhouse style prize to the best drone flyer.”
A fifth added: “It seems purpose built.”
