Police buying a drone to help with crash investigations
WATERLOO REGION — Crash investigations may soon become more efficient for local police. They are buying a drone.
The helicopter-like drone with four propellers and a camera will be able to capture high-quality colour images and video, as well as take accurate measurements and eliminate human error, say Waterloo Regional Police.
Eighty per cent of the time the drone will be used for collision investigations, said Deputy Chief Kevin Thaler.
But the drone will also be used for an “aerial perspective” when searching for missing people, he said.
Other uses include monitoring large gatherings such as a St. Patrick’s Day event and checking crowds from rooftops.
“It’s a must-have,” Karl Kiefer, a police board member, said at a recent meeting.
He would like to see police buy a second drone.
The drone, which will cost about $95,000, will be operational by May.
Police Chief Bryan Larkin said the drone is cost-effective and will save the service money.
Five officers will be trained in operating the drone.
The drone was manufactured locally by Aeryon Labs Inc. of Waterloo.
Weighing 2.4 kilograms, the remote-controlled drone can operate in hot and cold weather and in 90-km/h winds.
Locally, Waterloo Region REACT started using a drone to capture aerial images of crash sites about three years ago. REACT is a worldwide group of volunteers who assist emergency responders at crash sites, parades and large community events.
Thaler said police have used Waterloo Region REACT’s drone but it was costing the service $395 to have them come out and take photographs.