Geraldton police welcome “eyes in the sky” as officers receive drone training

Geraldton police officers are learning to pilot drones as part of a program aimed at increasing aerial support during emergencies.

Four Geraldton officers will undergo theory and practical training under the WA Police Force’s Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Expansion Project.

After training is completed, the Mid West Gascoyne District will be allocated two drones to deploy locally when they are required.

Mid West Gascoyne District Supt Roger Beer said the drones would be an invaluable asset to police.

“Each year our officers typically respond to several land search and marine search emergencies and I expect our new police drones will now play a crucial role to our response to those emergencies,” he said.

“Our region is popular for tourists who visit our coastal holiday spots and we have many travellers who go beyond Mt Magnet, Meekatharra and Burringurrah.

“Searches in those locations usually involve significantly large or difficult to access search areas so having these new ‘eyes in the sky’ assets will make a significant difference.”

The local police drones will not replace traditional aircraft deployments, with Police Air Wing and other aircraft still available for emergency needs.

There will be 60 trained Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems pilots and 40 drones deployed across WA once the rollout of the program is complete.