Guelph police says new drone will cover a lot more area
The Guelph Police Service has a new remotely piloted aircraft system, also known as a drone, to assist in investigations.
The power-driven aircraft will assist in searches for missing persons, collision reconstruction, intelligence gathering, tactical operations and for evidence gathering.
"We see it as a way to enhance our effectiveness and efficiency and support police operations in a wide variety of scenarios," Staff Sgt. Michael Davis said.
The DJI Matrice M30T, features high resolution red, green, blue and thermal cameras, and a laser rangefinder system. The drone can fly for over 40 minutes on a range of 15 kilometres.
“Cuts down on man hours. We can cover a lot more area than an officer walking. The downside is foliage – we can't always see through it," Const. Dave Anderson, Drone Pilot said.
The drone went into operation in August 2023, deploying nine times last year. It’s been used three times to search for evidence in homicide investigations, to assist in a break and enter investigation and to search for missing people.
Officers used the drone to successfully locate a reported intoxicated male in October, who was somewhat despondent, and in an area he did not know.
“It was right around a woodland and the drone was used in that situation, put up in the air, and the male was located using the thermal camera in very short order," Staff Sgt. Davis said.
The drone and training for officers cost around $25,000. That’s about $60,000 less than the drone the Waterloo Regional Police Service purchased in 2018.
Guelph police have six officers that completed the few hours of ground school, a couple of exams and a flight test to become certified drone pilots.
"It was tough. There's a lot of learning to be done to get to an advanced status,” Const. Anderson said.
The drone can only operate with a licenced pilot and a visual observer looking out for other aircraft and animals birds. The service has trained 22 officers to be observers.
The force is looking to purchase another drone and will train additional officers this year. It hopes to expand the number of units that can use it. The drone is expected to be available to police at all times and able to get in the air quickly.
"As long as we can get into Transport Canada, the NAV drone up and our air data app, once that's all filed, we can take off as long as there's nothing in the air that would restrict us from flying," Const. Anderson said.
Guelph police said flight operations will only be conducted if there is legal authority or they have judicial authorization. Police said all collection, use, disclosure and retention of personal information is in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
Residents can request to access their personal information and general information from the RPAS by contacting the Freedom of Information Office.
Guelph police have also created a social media account on X for the aircraft, to provide status and flight updates to the public.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Judge in Trump's hush money trial threatened to throw witness out of court for behavior on stand
Michael Cohen testified Monday that he stole tens of thousands of dollars from his ex-boss Donald Trump’s company, an admission defence lawyers hope to use to undermine Cohen’s credibility.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
The world's best airline is paying staff a bonus of 8 months' salary
Singapore Airlines will reward its employees with a bonus worth nearly eight months of salary, a person familiar with the matter told CNN on Friday.
McGill says pro-Palestinian protest outside senior administrator's home 'crosses the line'
McGill University has denounced a pro-Palestinian protest held Sunday outside the home of one of its senior administrators.
Red Lobster probes 'endless shrimp' losses after bankruptcy filing
U.S.-based restaurant chain Red Lobster has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in a Florida court after securing $100 million in financing commitments from its existing lenders, the company said on Sunday.
Katy Perry sings goodbye to 'American Idol'
Katy Perry said her goodbyes on 'American Idol' after seven seasons. On Sunday night’s live 'idol' season finale, a medley of Perry's hit songs were performed, including 'Teenage Dream,' 'Dark Horse' and 'California Gurls.'
Microsoft's AI chatbot will 'recall' everything you do on a PC
Microsoft wants laptop users to get so comfortable with its artificial intelligence chatbot that it will remember everything you're doing on your computer and help figure out what you want to do next.
Judge cites error, will reopen sentencing hearing for man who attacked Nancy Pelosi's husband
A federal judge will reopen the sentencing hearing for the man who broke into Nancy Pelosi's San Francisco home and bludgeoned her husband with a hammer after the judge failed to allow him to speak during his court appearance last week.
Woman, 35, in critical condition after her truck collided with a Via Rail train near Montreal
A 35-year-old woman is in critical condition after the pick-up truck she was driving was struck by a Via Rail passenger train Monday morning in Quebec's Monteregie region.