The Thunder Bay Police Service has taken to the air with the latest in drone technology.
An Unmanned Aircraft System or UAS, has become a critical tool for police services in collision scene investigations, search and rescues and critical incidents. The new TBPS UAS can capture high definition images in almost any setting and relay video back to the ground operator.
• The TBPS Traffic Unit will be able to create high quality image mapping of a collision scene to assist investigators in determining the sequence of events leading to a serious crash. This will be a great time saver in collision reconstruction.
• A UAS can quickly cover vast areas in the search for a missing person. The UAS will help navigate terrain in a timely manner assisting officers as they conduct ground searches.
• A UAS can also help with forensic identification, by providing an aerial view of a crime scene and capture photographic and video evidence for investigative and court purposes.
• Police Incident Commanders will be able to leverage this new aerial technology as they respond to critical incidents such as barricaded subjects. More eyes on a scene greatly enhances officer and public safety.
Officers tasked with the operation of the TBPS UAS have received extensive training and certification. Police services must conform to federal aviation regulations as to the operation of drones.
The Thunder Bay Police Service would also like to remind the public that recreational or commercial drones must not interfere with police operations