Drone to improve Douglasdale security
DOUGLASDALE - Douglasdale Police Station and the Community Policing Forum will launch a surveillance drone in a bid to keep the area crime-free.
Jean Berdou, chairperson of the policing forum, said the drone will mostly be used to identify potential crime hotspots around the precinct. “We’ve noticed hotspots include areas where lots of vehicles are parked,” Berdou added.
“On board it has high definition camera equipment capable of taking real-time pictures that will hopefully be able to detect crime before it happens.”
An experienced set of operators will control the drone when it takes to the air, and will be used in connection with warrants issued by police.
“It won’t be used to breach public space laws or privacy laws, but to help police gather information,” Berdou said.
He added that if something is captured, it could be vital evidence in court proceedings.
“For us it is a force multiplier, with minimal costs to operate,” he said.
The forum estimates the drone’s surveillance has the same reach as around ten police vehicles patrolling the area.
The drone will also be capable of doing fly-overs of seemingly vacant plots, where criminal elements might hide. Police would be notified as soon as any suspicious behaviour is picked up by the live image feed.
“When the drone is airborne it has the same authority as a police officer, and needs to comply with the law,” Berdou concluded.
