New drone program coming to Red Deer emergency services in coming months

A file photo of a drone.

It’s not a bird, or a plane. It’s a drone.

Red Deer RCMP are implementing a Drone as First Responder (DFR) program for public safety in the coming months. This means residents may look to the skies and notice drones flying more frequently overhead.

The DFR program is an expansion of RCMP Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), a technology Red Deer Mounties have used since 2020 for search and rescue, missing persons and major crime investigations as well as certain emergency response calls.

That technology will still be used, but the DFR will be added to “enhance service delivery and emergency response for public safety,” a news release said.

Red Deer RCMP took part in a drone pilot program in 2024 before beginning assessments of the needs of emergency services groups in the city.

Sgt. Jay Jestings said final details are almost done, and a launch date is imminent.

Drones will be launched from two fixed locations: the north and south Red Deer RCMP detachments. They will be piloted by existing trained members who will receive “enhanced specialized training” in the coming weeks.

The DFR will support RCMP, fire crews, by-law municipal enforcement and EMS calls.

“RCMP would like to reassure the public that the use of RPAS and DFR will be carried out in accordance with applicable laws and legislation, which includes strict privacy and legal guidelines,” the news release said.

“Police drone technology will not be used for random surveillance or to collect personal footage and are not used without lawful authority.”

More information is expected when an official launch date is determined.