The New Westminster Police Department (NWPD) says it will use drones in the future when helpful in investigations and other police activities.
The NWPD Drone Program says that officers who are certified by Transport Canada will be operating the devices.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO 1130 NEWSRADIO VANCOUVER LIVE!According to police, drones can be a useful tool for officers in missing persons investigations, documenting crime scenes, photographing serious collisions, and assessing insecure buildings.
Multiple other law enforcement units across the province have already started using drones on a regular basis.
The NWPD says that obtaining real-time aerial view footage can be crucial in certain situations.
“The real-time aerial view will help our officers in situations where every second counts,” Sgt. Andrew Leave said.
The NWPD assures that the use of drones will be tied to specific incidents and that officers will obey provincial privacy rights.
All drone flights will be recorded.