An Australian-first police drone trial is set to continue in the state’s north west, the NSW Government has confirmed.
The Government says the trial in Moree will run for another two years and it will also look to roll out the technology to other regional areas.
Two drones have been operating in Moree this year, giving New England Region Police officers another tool to respond to and prevent crime.
“We’re extending this Australian-first trial in Moree for another two years because we want to give police every tool we can to keep regional communities safe,” said Premier, Chris Minns.
“These drones can be anywhere across Moree within two or three minutes, giving police on the ground eyes in the sky and critical information about what they’re responding to.
“There’s no single answer to regional crime, but we’ll keep investing in police, prevention and new technology that can help make communities safer.”
Known as POLAIR Remote, the drones are remotely piloted from a ‘Remote Operations Centre at the NSW Police Force Aviation Command at Bankstown Airport.
The drone coverage means Police can reach anywhere in town within minutes of launch, improving response times.
It is the first time drone technology has been used in this way in Australian policing.
An evaluation of the Australia-first trial in Moree is currently underway, with the evaluation looking at the operational effectiveness of the technology.
“This is smart policing at its best. Police and the local community have told us the drone program is a real game changer, so we’re extending it,” said Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley.
“This technology is changing the way police fight crime and it’s happening because the Minns Labor Government is giving police the tools they need to keep our communities safe.
“Modern policing happens in the community, in the sky, on the road and at the scene not behind a desk. That’s the legacy we’re building.”
A community survey of 516 people was also undertaken to consider community confidence in the trial, which found that:
- 85% report no perceived negative impact;
- 83% believed the drones enhance public safety;
- 82% were either positive or very positive about the drone use;
- 78% of respondents believed the drones improved emergency response times;
- 76% said they had very high or high trust in police use of drones;
- 75% feel safer or much safer as a result of the drone presence.
NSW Police says further consultation, including with Aboriginal stakeholders, will be undertaken as part of the expansion of the drone program.
Learn more about the NSW Government’s investment via Moree place-based response.
