The largest security operation ever launched in the North is in place, ahead of the start of the G8 summit today.
Eight of the world's most powerful leaders - including US President Barack Obama - will attend the 2-day event in Co Fermanagh.
The PSNI will use military drones for anti-terrorism surveillance throughout the summit his week. The 3 unmanned aerial units enhance surveillance opportunities due to their extra 'operational resilience' and enhanced ability for security forces to see possible threats in close range.
However, according to Commander of G8 Summit policing, Alistair Finlay, the drones will only be used in a limited way during the summit, 'predominantly when we can't use the helicopters'.
According to Mr. Finlay, drones provide greater resilience: 'they have a fuel cell, it has unlimited light which gives us continuity of visual image for command purposes'.
Mr. Finlay was keen to stress that the drones will be used for greater surveillance only; they are unarmed and therefore not comparable to those used in counter-terror offences in Pakistan and Afghanistan:
"The drone term has a particular resonance with some of the delivering of armaments in the Middle East.
"These are like model aircraft."
Of key importance for police commanders is 'visibility' and the police chief pointed out that clear sight of 'what you can see on the ground' and the 'ability to move resources around' is 'very important to us'.
Drones can operate at times when helicopters can't because of low cloud and other climate issues.
They give police an 'operational look-in' according to Finlay, but they are also known for being more covert and create no danger to the army or police commanders given how they are controlled from remote locations.
However, Commander of G8 Summit policing, Alistair Finlay, says the drones will only be used in a limited way during the summit, 'predominantly when we can't use the helicopters'.
Protests
The PSNI says it expects around 2,000 people to stage protests in the Enniskillen area later today. It's thought they will try to march from the town to the perimeter of the Lough Erne hotel.
Miles of steel fencing has been erected around the summit venue - while there are also land, air and water travel restrictions in place.
Around 8,000 police are on duty - with military back up - and the support of 900 gardaí along the border.
Alistair Finlay, Commander of Summit Policing, says they are expecting today's protest to be the most significant event:
The first session gets underway this afternoon ahead of which US President Barack Obama has addressed young people in Belfast's Waterfront Hall this morning.
Their audience has been described as "the generation of peace" - young people born after the ceasefires.
The First Family was welcomed by Hannah Nelson, 16, a student from Methodist College, Belfast, whose essay on "making peace permanent" impressed the US Consulate in the city.
Crowds of people have also turned out near the Hall to try to get a glimpse of Mr. Obama
Both the British Prime Minister David Cameron and the US President have arrived for the summit:
Meanwhile, security concerns surrounding the G8 summit have been attracting international media attention:
