The Victoria Police Department is launching a new tool 鈥渢o help keep the community safe.鈥�
This spring, VicPD will start using a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS), which features advanced, cutting-edge technology designed to improve officers鈥� ability to monitor public events, including protests and rallies, and respond quickly to public safety incidents.
鈥淭his new tool will help officers identify potential incidents unfolding on the ground, providing real-time insights that allow them to distribute resources more efficiently and make quick decisions to keep residents of Victoria and Esquimalt safe,鈥� VicPD said in a news release.
The drone's deployment is in accordance with B.C. and national privacy legislation, according to the police department, which added the RPAS camera does not record by default. If recordings need to be taken to gather evidence or capture an incident, the public will be notified. That data will be stored for 30 days or longer. No information will be collected during an event unless a criminal investigation or public disorder incident occurs.
鈥淰icPD provides policing support to more than 50 public events each year, in addition to an increasing number of demonstrations,鈥� VicPD Chief Del Manak said in the same news release. 鈥淭he RPAS is the next step in our strategic plan of supporting community safety, preventing crime and contributing to community vibrancy.鈥�
