The Swiss police today plans to conduct a trial using unmanned aircraft to monitor crowds following a European international soccer match between FC Zurich and FC Toulouse. The goal is to help police spot potential areas where fans of the opposing teams may be getting ready to clash. The police hope the birds-eye view will allow them to get response teams to a hot-spot before violence escalates. Today’s trial is in preparation for next year’s European Cup championship, where a more extensive employment of UAVs could take place.

UAVs will not be the only airborne asset that will keep watch on notoriously violent soccer fans next year. The Swiss army has also committed to providing a specially fitted Super Puma helicopter for the surveillance mission.

Fans today will likely see little of the UAV, the police advises, because of its operating altitude. The police also assures citizens their privacy is not affected, because the surveillance equipment isn’t sufficient to identify persons or read license plates on vehicles. Moreover, the imagery will not be taped.