Press release from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), 2nd May 2025:
POLICE AIR SUPPORT UNIT JOINS IN FIGHT AGAINST ILLEGAL TARGETING OF PEREGRINE FALCONS
‘Operation Raptor – Peregrine Watch’, an initiative by Police Service of Northern Ireland along with our partners in the Partnership for Action against Wildlife Crime (PAW) Bird of Prey Sub Group, seeks to bring an end to the illegal persecution of birds of prey, will now have ‘eyes in the sky’ as the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Air Support Unit lends its expertise and cutting edge technology to the cause.
A special licence granted by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), and specific permissions obtained with the assistance of the Northern Ireland Raptor Study Group (NIRSG), has enabled police to deploy hi-tech drones to carry out checks of various sites around Northern Ireland where Peregrine Falcons are known to nest, breed and live.
Peregrine falcons in Northern Ireland are a protected species under the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 as amended by the Wildlife and Natural Environment (NI) Act 2011, which safeguards all birds of prey from persecution and disturbance. The penalties for crimes under the Order include, but are not limited to, a fine of up to £5,000 per offence and up to six months imprisonment.
The police drones will be used to view and assess falcon nesting and breeding areas that may otherwise be inaccessible and will allow the various agencies involved in PAW to keep a close check on nests, particularly in ‘at risk’ areas, in the hope of reducing instances of illegal poisoning, shooting, trapping and taking of peregrine falcons and their eggs.
L-R: Dr Marc Ruddock (NI Raptor Study Group), Margaret Mee (White-tailed Eagle Project), Dr Ruth Tingay (Raptor Persecution UK), Chief Inspector Tim Flanigan (PSNI), Emma Meredith (PSNI Wildlife & Animal Welfare Officer)
Speaking about Op Raptor – Peregrine Watch, Police Service lead for Rural and Wildlife Crime Superintendent Johnston McDowell said:
“This initiative between the PAW Bird of Prey Sub Group and our Air Support Unit, working alongside local officers, is a direct result of birds being targeted with very serious and dangerous substances in a number of areas across Northern Ireland.
“Many of the poisons identified in previous cases are deadly not only to our precious wildlife but also to humans, and so the potential impact could go beyond the persecution and destruction of our beautiful native birds of prey.”
The initiative also encourages people to report any suspicions around birds being targeted. Police work closely with our colleagues in the Health and Safety Executive who are responsible for Biocides, and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development who are responsible for Rodenticides, to identify poisons being used and take steps to identify and prosecute offenders.
Superintendent McDowell concluded: “The Police Service of Northern Ireland is committed to working with partner agencies to tackle wildlife crime through prevention and education, as well as enforcement, and will continue to work hard to combat wildlife crime.”
Wildlife crime can be reported to police via 101, or online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or confidentially through crimes stoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at http://www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
ENDS
Raptor Persecution UK 
I cannot see how using drones is going to prevent further wildlife crime, the recent case at St. Albans cathedral where the peregrine clutch of eggs was walked on had a camera on the nestsite and it presently looks like nobody has been charged with the crime. Incidentally I see that the birds have laid again at the cathedral as I said they probably would. To my thinking the use of drones is not another “tool from the conservation box” but more like a “toy from the toy box”.
Alastair Proud
“Incidentally I see that the birds have laid again at the cathedral as I said they probably would.”
https://www.stalbanscathedral.org/news/a-new-beginning-for-the-cathedral-peregrines
This is good news on two fronts. One, the fact the police are taking these crimes seriously and at least trying something. Albeit it is not the roving high-tech specialised Flying Squad type surveillance team I would wish for, but progress is still progress. It is still something that will make a difference. After all, the other side have all this stuff, whether rogues thieving for the falconry trade or keepers using thermal drones to recce out harrier roosts & make sure there’s no RSPB or birders hiding.
Theres all sorts of uses they could be put to – saving endless draining legwork – checking inaccessible ledges for baited pigeons and traps, checking nest sites are not tampered with, looking at questionable crow cages, looking for evidence in live investigations such tyre treads in mud on remote tracks, feathers caught in the heather, footprints, etc.
Suppose the proof will be the results league against cruel sports use drones excellent for getting footage on hunts illegal activities.