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Police officers in Cairns are this week taking delivery of drone technology to help them fight crime.
Almost a million dollars will be invested in the specialised remotely piloted aircraft as part of a 12-month trial taking place in both Cairns and Townsville.
The drones won't be able to track vehicles because they must remain in the pilot's line of sight, however they are equipped with excellent zoom capabilities and thermal imaging cameras for finding people.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the state-of-the-art technology will provide enhanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.
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“The community will be able to feel safer knowing police have these new, state-of-the art resources,” she said.
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“My government will always invest in new cutting-edge technology that we believe will help officers to do their jobs.”
The drones will supplement the three government helicopters that operate between Cairns and Townsville.
According to the state government, the Queensland Police Service (QPS) advised that resources for dedicated police helicopters were better invested in other technologies, given the smaller populated areas and restricted airspace near the RAAF base in Townsville.
The QPS is the holder of a Remote Operators Certificate and all licenced pilots receive regular training and testing from the service’s Chief Remote Pilot.
Cairns-based Police Assistant Commissioner Brett Schafferius said the technology will provide better outcomes.
“This trial in Cairns will provide police with enhanced capabilities including advanced tools and image analytics,” he said.
“It means that officers on the ground will receive a live feed of the images being recorded on the new aerial platform.
“It’s important to remember though that the tangible benefit of this technology is how it may be able to assist police on the ground.”
The state government has also announced the purchase of two new POLAIR helicopters that will be based in southeast Queensland.
Main points
- Cairns and Townsville police officers will be involved in a 12-month drone trial
- The state government is investing almost $1 million in the technology
- The drones will be used to enhance intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities
