That’s where you might see the first York Regional Police unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), investigators’ newest tool in mapping the scenes of serious and fatal collisions.
The UAV was unveiled at a July 10 press conference, where it buzzed high above the heads of members of the media and shared impressive high-resolution video.
Investigators predict that the new vehicle will reduce road-closure times by up to 50 per cent, as it captures aerial images to be used in the detailed electronic mapping of a collision scene. Currently, road closures after a serious or fatal collision often take eight to 10 hours.
Increased efficiency at accident scenes is just one of the benefits the UAV will provide – the device will also serve in several other important roles at York Regional Police. The UAV will conserve police resources as it aids in searches for missing vulnerable people, conducts security sweeps of empty venues in advance of large outdoor events within York Region and assists with incidents that may involve hazardous materials to limit exposure to first responders.
“The UAV is a welcome addition to our investigative tool box,” said Chief of Police Eric Jolliffe. “Not only will our highly-trained investigators be able to map collision scenes more efficiently, but other units within York Regional Police, such as Search and Rescue, will also be able to benefit from the use of a UAV.”
The SkyRanger UAV, manufactured by Waterloo-based Aeryon, is piloted from a tablet using an automated route. It requires two trained York Regional Police operators to fly: one manning the tablet and the other observing the vehicle’s flight in the sky.
The metre-wide, 2.4 kilogram vehicle features three cameras: a powerful zoom, a stabilized infrared camera and a mapping camera. It can sustain wind gusts of nearly 90 km/h and easily reaches 400 feet - the limit imposed by Transport Canada - in seconds.
York Regional Police also used the media event to remind citizens about regulations put in place by Transport Canada to increase safety while flying their own UAVs.
“These devices are not remote-controlled toys and should be handled very carefully,” said Constable Andy Pattenden. “Many people may be unaware that there have strict regulations to follow when flying their own UAVs.”
York Regional Police has three trained UAV operators. Each has undergone a four day pilot ground school and spent two days in manual flight training. For more information on flight regulations, visit the Transport Canada website.
VIDEO
