LNP candidate in call for air support
DRONES are on the Liberal National Party’s election wishlist with a new call for more aerial support for general duties police in Townsville.
LNP candidate for Mundingburra and police officer Glenn Doyle said Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems would be a huge advantage to Townsville police tackling crime.
Mr Doyle ( pictured) said the drones would be a valuable tool for officers in incident management, search and rescue, mapping crime scenes and crash scenes.
“The fact that we don’t have access to one up here speaks volumes about the commitment to North Queensland,” he said.
But the State Government said RPAS, or drones, were already used in Townsville. The Bulletin n understands the drones s are not widely used.
Mr Doyle said North h Queensland officers often n had issues accessing this sort of equipment, which he said was readily avail- able in the southeast cor- ner.
“We need that to o change,” he said. “And that’s one of the focuses of the LNP, is to make sure the officers have the tools they need to address the crime issues up here in Townsville.”
Shadow Minister for North Queensland Dale Last said the LNP was also calling for a dedicated police helicopter, and reaffirmed the party’s commitment to bringing one to the region if elected.
Police Minister Mark Ryan said Townsville already had dr drones, a qualified pilot an and an RPAS unit. “Police advise this is cu currently operational an and active in the T Townsville District,” M Mr Ryan said.
The minister dismissed the need for a dedicated police helicopter. “Townsville Police already have access to two helicopters permanently based in Townsville,” Mr Ryan said. “In addition, there is a third helicopter based in Cairns. “Any time Townsville Police require a helicopter one is available.” He added the Government invested $43 million to deliver two new helicopters to the North last year.