Video: @mossos / X
Girona's Drone Unit Strengthens Police Operations
The aerial unit of the Mossos d'Esquadra in the Girona Police Region carries out around 100 operations each year, most of them using drones. Since June 2026, a dedicated drone team of four specially trained officers has been operational, enhancing support across multiple police specialities including public order, traffic and criminal investigations. Francesc Cassar, corporal and regional coordinator of the drone unit, said the drones provide "highly important information" and improve officer safety during operations. The team operates under the regional air unit and provides critical real-time support during police actions.
Three Key Operational Roles
Cassar outlined three primary functions of the drone team. The most common is live broadcasting of footage to a command centre, enabling strategic decisions during events such as public demonstrations or large gatherings like the upcoming Sant Narcís festivities in Girona. A second role involves recording aerial footage for planned operations, particularly in traffic accident reconstructions and criminal investigations ordered by the courts, such as monitoring illegal activity by organised groups. The third role sees drone operators acting as a real-time patrol unit, providing situational awareness during unplanned operations. This is especially useful during house searches linked to suspected criminal activity, such as cannabis cultivation, where drones help track suspects attempting to flee.
Specialised Equipment and Safety Measures
The unit uses different drones depending on the mission. Smaller models are deployed for confined spaces or discreet surveillance, while larger drones with high-resolution or thermal cameras are used for traffic accident analysis. All drone flights are coordinated with Girona Airport to ensure airspace safety. Each operation requires two officers: a pilot and a co-pilot who maintains visual contact with the drone to prevent signal loss or collisions. In the event of interference, drones are equipped with an automatic return-to-home function. The unit also carries a signal-blocking device to disable unauthorised drones flown by members of the public during large events. If a private drone repeatedly violates airspace, officers can disable its GPS, causing it to land safely, always ensuring no risk to people on the ground.
Future Expansion Expected
While the unit conducted around 100 operations in 2025–40 of them home searches, the establishment of the dedicated team is expected to increase this number. Police stress the drones' role in delivering vital situational awareness and improving safety for all officers involved in operations.
Primary sources: mossos.gencat.cat, dsp.interior.gencat.cat. Reported by diaridegirona.cat, gerio.cat, Gerió Digital, Diari de Girona.
