Small Aircraft Carry Hi-Def Video And Still Cameras That Can Relay Live Images

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is integrating small UAV helicopters into its crime-fighting arsenal. The aircraft, which are about three feet long, carry high-definition still and video cameras that can relay photographs and video to officers on the ground.

RCMP Cpl. Byron Charbonneau, a traffic collision reconstructionist, said the top-down view adds a "third perspective to your investigation."

The Mounties also plan to deploy the aircraft in areas that could be considered dangerous for people, such as a hazardous spill, according to a report appearing in the Times-Colonist newspaper. They would be used to assess situations and determine risk factors before people were sent into an area.

The Ontario Provincial police already use similar aircraft, but the RCMP version is reportedly custom-made. The aircraft cost about $30,000, and are slightly heavier than the stock model so that they can fly in stronger winds, the RCMP said.

The RCMP said the UAVs will not be used in any way that would violate a citizen's privacy. Charnonneau said RCMP policy prevents such use.

(Image provided by the RCMP)

FMI: www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/index-eng.htm