FIVE new police drones have opened up a fresh debate over privacy issues.

The drones, known officially as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), are to be used instead of officer-led patrols during on-going emergency incidents.

Sussex Police’s new recruits come as traffic wardens are fitted with cameras to crackdown on the abuse they are subjected to while issuing tickets.

The force has already run a UAV trial at Gatwick and assistant chief constable Steve Barry believes it has been a success.

He said: “Some of the benefits of the UAV system have already been demonstrated during the relatively short period that we have had the equipment for.

“They can go to places where it is unsafe for officers and can gather evidence quickly that could be vital in an investigation or that could help us deploy officers to the right places at the right time, potentially allowing us to make lifesaving decisions.

“This is not about providing cut-price policing but about using technology to enhance the way we work.

“UAVs could prove extremely useful during a range of incidents and I am delighted the extra funding from the Home Office means we can explore more closely exactly what they can do.”

War veteran John Catt, 90, has slammed the introduction and said the drones are an intrusion into residents’ lives.

The privacy campaigner said: “It’s this big brother thing and a comedy of errors.

“It means our people and our officers are no longer trusted on the ground – it’s shameful.

“What I have experienced over all these years is that anybody who breaks rank is on their own.

“That’s the state we’re in with the police at the moment.

“This is the culture of the police looking over our shoulders – it’s very sad.

“I’ve seen enough of this country in my 90 years, and this is betrayal.” Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne admitted UAVs were a hot topic, but believes they will improve the efficiency of the force.

A £250,000 grant for the drones comes from the Home Office, which has awarded the forces from the Police Innovation Fund that rewards creative, collaborative and cost-saving projects aimed at transforming policing.