Fort McMurray, Alta – Wood Buffalo RCMP, with the support of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, has received additional Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), commonly known as drones, to enhance its current fleet. These additional drones have longer flight times, can withstand colder temperatures and have improved resolution.

On Nov. 6, 2025, the RCMP RPAS pilots completed additional training with the new drones and immediately put them into use. Wood Buffalo Crime Reduction Unit (CRU), while patrolling in the downtown area of Fort McMurray, spoke with a suspicious male who provided a false name to Police. Upon learning his true identify, he was found to have been wanted on a Canada wide warrant for Parole violation in relation to multiple break, enter and theft convictions. The male fled on foot from Police into a densely wooded area. The new RPAS was deployed and with the use of on-board infra-red technology, located the male suspect within minutes, trying to conceal himself in the bush. The drone operator was able to direct responding police to the location of the suspect where he was arrested without further incident. The male remains in custody.

The Wood Buffalo RCMP understand that the presence of these aircraft may raise questions or concerns. We want to reassure residents that RPAS are operated responsibly and in accordance with strict privacy and legal guidelines. We are committed to protecting your privacy while using RPAS to support frontline operations. RPAS is never used to collect random images or surveillance footage—it is strictly deployed during investigations and emergencies. If there’s an expectation of privacy, judicial authorization is required.

The Alberta RCMP remains committed to using technology responsibly and transparently, with a continued focus on public safety and community trust. For more information about the RPAS program visit www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/ab/ and search for Remotely Piloted Aircraft System.

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