Red Deer RCMP says its Drone as First Responder program was deployed to approximately 324 calls during its first three months of operation.

The program launched June 18, making Red Deer the first RCMP detachment in Canada to introduce the response model.

Drones have supported officers responding to break-ins, stolen vehicles and reports of suspicious people, according to an RCMP update released Oct. 1.

The aircraft can be launched from the rooftops of the north and south Red Deer RCMP detachments while officers are travelling to a call.

Specially trained RCMP pilots operate the drones remotely and relay live information to incident commanders, supervisors and officers on the ground.

The aerial view can help police assess hazards, locate people and determine whether the situation matches the information initially provided to dispatchers. Police can then adjust the number of officers, equipment and response tactics sent to the scene.

The drones do not replace police officers or remove the need for an officer to attend a call.

During the program’s first week, the RCMP reported that a drone tracked a suspect who fled on foot following an assault complaint. Information from the aircraft helped officers locate and arrest the person.

A drone was also sent to a weapons complaint. The pilot determined from the air that no weapon was involved and police said there was no threat to public safety.

The program normally operates Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pilots may contact complainants while the drone is travelling to a call to gather more information and provide updates about the police response.

Red Deer Emergency Services has also used the program.

The RCMP reported that drones assisted firefighters responding to two fires in forested areas. Pilots assessed the size and location of each fire and directed crews to the affected areas.

The Drone as First Responder program differs from the RCMP’s existing Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems program.

The existing system provides portable drones that officers can bring to major investigations, searches, emergency-response operations and suspect apprehensions. Red Deer RCMP has used that technology since 2020.

Under the newer model, an aircraft is stationed at a fixed launch location and can be sent toward a call while police, firefighters or other emergency personnel are still responding by road.

The program was developed with Red Deer Municipal Policing Services, Red Deer Emergency Services, the Alberta RCMP Operational Communications Centre and Alberta RCMP Air Services.

The RCMP said in May that the drones could support police, fire, emergency medical services, municipal enforcement and other city operations.

Police also addressed privacy concerns before the launch.

The RCMP said drones would not be used for random surveillance or to collect personal footage without lawful authority. Operations are required to follow applicable laws and the RCMP’s privacy and legal requirements.

The Oct. 1 update did not provide the program’s total operating cost, average response time, number of arrests or a detailed breakdown of the 324 deployments.