Some of the drones can operate safely in storms, at speeds of up to 40mph (64km/h), and are equipped with thermal imaging technology so they can be used in the dark.
The drones come in various sizes, costing between £6,000 and £30,000.
PC Tony Ashurst, a drone pilot for GMP, said: “In the last few years, the technology with the drones and the cameras has been advancing so much, so you’ve got to keep investing.
“I’ve been on the frontline for 20 years now, including on the firearms unit, and this is just a different way of policing.”