The Calgary police will deploy drones as first responders in a pilot project starting this month to help provide real-time information as situations unfold.
The Drones as First Responder (DFR) trial will start Sept. 10 with two Skydio X10 drones and go for 90 days, according to CPS. They will be deployed to select incidents in northeast and southeast Calgary.
Police will gather real-time information to help them determine the most appropriate response, CPS said.
“The Drone as First Responder model has been successfully implemented by other police agencies and has shown potential to enhance emergency response,” said Supt. Jodi Gach of the Calgary Police Service Operational Support Division.
“This trial will help us determine how the technology can support public safety in Calgary by providing responding officers with valuable information about an incident, often before they arrive on scene.”
From a secure location in northeast Calgary, drones will be sent airborne when an eligible call for service has been identified. A sworn CPS officer who has been trained as a drone pilot will remotely fly the aircraft to the scene.
Police have been using drones for several years for a variety of public safety operations, emergency incidents, searches, and investigations.
The use of the drones for this pilot project has been approved by Transport Canada. The drone trial will be conducted in accordance with Transport Canada regulations and CPS policies.
According to the CPS website, the information gathered from a particular scene may help them identify potential risks, determine necessary resources, and allow them to make informed operational decisions.
