Central Saanich Police Service has launched a new drone program to help increase public safety and assist in police operations. 

Through the use of drones officers can gather information they otherwise could not gain from the ground level—assisting in a safer and more efficient police response. Drones provide the police with the capability to do aerial searches assisted by a thermal camera, spotlight and public address system.

“This valuable addition to our department will provide assistance in a number of emergency situations,” said Central Saanich Police Deputy Chief Kevin Hackett. “The introduction of drones into our operations allows us to work more effectively to protect our community.”

The program has been developed for specific applications, such as searching for vulnerable missing persons, critical incidents, and investigating crime and collision scenes. It will also be available to assist other first responders in the region, including the Central Saanich Fire Department. This program supports the Central Saanich Police Service’s strategic priority of modernization and utilization of technology. 

The Central Saanich Police Service is committed to protecting the privacy of individuals in the operation of drones and ensuring that all collection, use, disclosure, and retention of personal information is in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA). Each operation is assessed for specific circumstances of each deployment, balancing officer and public safety with the privacy of our community members and conducted in a manner to minimize capture of private information unrelated to the investigation. Officers receive extensive training including a Transport Canada Pilot Certificate in Advanced Operations. Each operation is subject to approval by NAV Canada and regulations set out by Transport Canada.