Red Deer, Alta. – From May 15-May 26, 2024, Red Deer RCMP will be participating in a ‘pilot’ program to test Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), commonly known as drones, and how it can be used to respond to calls for service. Red Deer was selected as one of three communities for the RPAS trials, scheduled for May and June of this year. The trials are being held in a mid-sized community, large municipality, and an Indigenous community.
RPAS technology is already used by the Alberta RCMP for a variety of needs including traffic accident reconstruction, search and rescue, major crimes investigation, and emergency response team calls. The trial is being conducted as another step in exploring potential new ways RPAS technology can be used to help ensure the safety of Albertans.
The objectives of the trials are to learn more about RPAS, to test different technologies, and to determine how RPAS can be used to better serve our communities.
During the trial period, the RCMP will be testing a new type of service delivery where RPAS will be used to assist police responding to certain calls by providing air support. RPAS will be deployed from the Downtown RCMP Detachment (4602 51 Ave, Red Deer) and the North side RCMP Detachment (6592 58 Ave, Red Deer) for various calls to service including crimes in progress, flight from police, suspicious persons, missing persons, assist EMS/Fire, or even to support natural disaster response.
The decision to further explore and expand RPAS usage was made following thorough research into the use of the technology by law enforcement in other jurisdictions. The decision is also based on recommendations to increase air support made by the Mass Casualty Commission following the Mass Casualty Event in Nova Scotia.
“We are always looking for new ways that we can work with our communities to ensure their safety and build public trust and confidence,” says Superintendent Holly Glassford, Officer in Charge of the Red Deer City RCMP. “These trials give us the chance to build on the successes we’ve already seen using RPAS. We’re very excited to learn how we can use evolving technology and new methods to better serve our community.”
The expansion of the RPAS program is being done in consultation with the RCMP National RPAS Program, law enforcement partners, municipal and provincial governments, and industry experts to ensure that the program is developed to best meet the needs of Albertans. Following the trial, the RCMP will evaluate the program to determine if RPAS can be used to enhance public safety and will update the public on the results.
"In embracing the RPAS trials, we're not just testing technology; we're investing in the safety and well-being of our community,” said Mayor Ken Johnston, City of Red Deer. “This program represents a proactive step towards enhancing our policing services, leveraging innovation to better serve and protect our residents. By exploring the potential of RPAS technology, we aim to bolster public safety, streamline emergency responses, and foster greater trust within our community.”
RCMP-provided information related to the local RPAS trial will be hosted at Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Pilot Program - The City of Red Deer.
