Red Deer RCMP reports Drone as First Responder Program lauched in June a success

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Red Deer RCMP Superintendent Holly Glassford said the program has become a valuable tool not only for officers but for the community.

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“That aerial perspective helps identify hazards, locate individuals, and provides an overview of the scene and gives the responding officers awareness of the environment,” she said. “In situations where officers cannot respond to lower-priority calls, the drone can often attend first to gather information, which is so important.”

For example, Glassford explained they used the drone to respond to a call of an assault where the suspect fled on foot. The pilot was able to track the suspect from the air, which led to an easier arrest for responding officers.

“This is an example of how modern policing continues to evolve and how technology is helping officers respond more effectively,” she said. “Keeping in mind, this tool does not replace the front-line police officer. Instead, they enhance the work our officers do every day by providing additional information, specialized capabilities, and greater situational awareness.”

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Red Deer RCMP invited members of the media to learn more about its Drone as First Responder Program. Here it is in action! More info is at rdnewsNOW.com

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City of Red Deer manager for municipal policing services John Ferguson said the program gives officers a better understanding of what they’re running into and helps them make better decisions.

“More importantly, it will also help ensure that the right resources are being deployed,” he said. “Ultimately, this tool helps all first responders get the vital information they need faster, therefore improving our emergency response to events going on in our community.”

It’s also more than just about supporting our police. When available, the drone will also be used to support community peace officers and Red Deer Emergency Services.

Red Deer RCMP currently own two drones, and they are used daily. Since June, there have been approximately 324 flights using the drones.

“We like to take credit for being the first, and we are the first,” said Red Deer RCMP Cst. Sandra Geiger. “However, Calgary Police have just launched a pilot program, and I believe there was one in B.C. that has since been launched.”

Red Deer Emergency Services Acting Chief Curtis Schaefer said they’ve used the drones to respond to multiple different fires.

The purpose of that is to make sure the responding crews are headed in the right direction and don’t waste time trying to figure out exactly where the blaze is.

“It gives our staff a much better sense of safety and the ability to get to the incident quicker,” he said.