Western Australian Police will have more mobile eyes in the sky to boost frontline operations, with the announcement of a significant expansion of the Force’s aerial drone capability.
Police Minister Michelle Roberts today confirmed the WA Police Force would add up to 35 additional drones to its Air Wing fleet and train up to 60 pilots over the next two years.
The drones will be used to support a wide range of police operations including search and rescue operations, forensically mapping crime scenes and other police tactical operations.
The technology will be fitted with high definition video recording cameras, thermal imaging technology, flood lights and speakers.
The specialist drones will be capable of flying in both day and night time operations.
It’s anticipated that a drone will be available for use in every police district across the State.
The initiative is being funded by the McGowan Government’s investment in police technology and follows recent announcements on body-worn cameras, mobile devices and body armour.
As stated by Police Minister Michelle Roberts:
“The McGowan Government is determined to ensure that our police are equipped with the latest tools to keep us safe.
“This is an important initiative and builds on our work to modernise the WA Police Force and give our officers contemporary equipment to do their job more effectively.
“These drones will support a wide range of every day police activities and be especially useful during search and rescue operations in difficult terrain.
“They will also ensure greater safety for our officers when navigating high risk and dangerous situations, by allowing them to quickly deploy a drone to gain greater situational awareness.”
