NSW Police is officially launching an Australian-first policing aviation capability that it says will boost police resources in the state’s west.
PolAir-Remote – a collaboration between Aviation Command and Technology and Communication Services Command – will see remotely-piloted drones being used to assist operational police in responding to and investigating incidents.
NSW Police says the use of drones will allow regional police to utilise aerial assets without the need for an on-site pilot. Instead, the drones will be remotely piloted from a ‘Remote Operations Centre’ at Bankstown Airport, with real-time video being fed back to operational police.
Moree is the first location in which the drones have been installed and trialled to support frontline police.
Since their installation on the rooftop of the Moree Police Station in January, the two drones have been activated to coordinate successful responses and arrests for assaults, break and enters, vehicle recoveries and have assisted during an Operation Soteria surge.
The drones will also assist police in providing situational awareness during public safety incidents and other emergencies, including search and rescue operations and missing people searches.
The drones are housed in a self-contained box where they launch, land and recharge.
The trial in Moree will run for six months, with the technology set to expand to other locations in the future.
“Today we’re announcing an Australian-first drone trial to strengthen policing in our regional communities – starting right here in Moree,” said Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley.
“Our police have an incredibly difficult job, dealing with a complex and evolving range of issues every single day. This investment is about making their job easier and safer, so they can focus on protecting the community on the ground.
“We know there is more to do to rebuild trust after a shocking spate of incidents that left communities fearful. The NSW Government and NSW Police are doing everything possible to address that, and we will continue working to restore confidence and keep people safe.”
NSW Police Deputy Commissioner for Regional NSW Field Operations, Paul Pisanos APM said PolAir-Remote was a demonstration of the NSW Police’s commitment to technological advancement in policing.
“PolAir-Remote is an Australian first. This is the first time drones will be used in this capacity – where they will be remotely piloted without the need for an on-site pilot – by a police force in the country,” Deputy Commissioner Pisanos said.
“The drones are an expansion of the existing aviation capabilities used across the state and will support frontline police in preventing, disrupting and responding to criminal activity in Moree.
“We have worked closely with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) for the implementation of this technology and I want to thank them for their strong support.
“The trial has so far proven to be successful in tackling regional crime and giving the region a boost in operational resources.
“I want to reassure the community that PolAir-Remote will only be used for operational and investigative purposes.”
