Red Deer RCMP to launch Drones as First Responder program in the coming months

The Red Deer RCMP say they will continue to use RPAS as a response tool, but DFR will be added to improve service delivery and emergency response.

“This endeavour dates back to May of 2024, when the Red Deer RCMP was part of a DFR pilot program held by K Division RCMP Air Services,” said S/Sgt. Jay Jestings with the Red Deer RCMP. “Since then, there has been a lot of work in the background trying to develop and launch a DFR specific to the needs of all emergency services groups here in the city of Red Deer. The great news is, we are very close to finalizing the remaining details and can see a launch date in the very near future.”

The RCMP explained that Drone as First Responder is the result of a significant evolution in emergency response, where a trained drone pilot will launch a drone and respond to calls for service ahead of a police officer or other emergency personnel.

Supt. Glassford, Red Deer RCMP Officer-In-Charge, observed the benefits of DFR first-hand during the 2024 pilot program.

“After two years of development, I am excited to see this initiative come to fruition. Red Deer RCMP is the first detachment in the country to implement Drones as First Responders,” Glassford said. “Having the drone attend a scene before responding personnel allows for a real-time analysis of the situation. We are then able to allocate appropriate resources based on the specific nature of that call for service. This gives us the opportunity to respond in a proactive manner and alleviate sending resources that aren’t required, while enhancing the safety of our officers and the public.”

The drones will be launched from the north and south Red Deer RCMP detachments and will be piloted using existing Red Deer RCMP RPAS-trained members.

In preparation for the official launch, current RPAS pilots will receive enhanced specialized training in the coming weeks.

The program is the result of a collaboration between Red Deer Emergency Services, Red Deer Fire, the City of Red Deer Municipal Policing Services, Alberta RCMP Operational Communications Centre (OCC), K Division Air Services, and Red Deer RCMP members within the detachment.

“Red Deer RCMP understand that the presence of these aircraft may raise questions or concerns regarding privacy,” as stated in the release. “RCMP would like to reassure the public that the use of RPAS and DFR will be carried out in accordance with applicable laws and legislation, which includes strict privacy and legal guidelines. Police drone technology will not be used for random surveillance or to collect personal footage, and are not used without lawful authority.”

by rdnewsNOW staff

Red Deer RCMP to launch Drones as First Responder program in the coming months

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