Red Deer RCMP touts Drone as First Responder program

Red Deer RCMP touts Drone as First Responder program

Published 2:23 pm Thursday, October 1, 2026

Red Deer RCMP has already been seeing success through its Drone as First Responder (DFR) program, which was the first of its kind in Canada upon launch this past June.

The program is an expansion of the detachment’s existing Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) operations. Through RPAS, drones were typically operated from within police vehicles at the scene of an investigation.

Through DFR, drones are operated remotely from Red Deer RCMP’s north and south detachments. Pilots fly the drones from their respective control centres to provide aerial oversight during calls for service.

Since June, drones have been launched through the DFR program more than 320 times.

“That aerial perspective helps identify hazards, locate individuals, provides an overview of the scene, and gives the responding officers, supervisors and scene commanders the awareness of the environment,” said Supt. Holly Glassford, Red Deer RCMP detachment commander.

“In situations where officers cannot immediately respond to low-priority calls, the drone can often attend first to gather information.”

In the first week of the DFR program, pilots launched a drone to the scene of a reported assault where the suspect had fled on foot.

“The pilot was able to track the suspect from the air, which ultimately led to the safe arrest and apprehension of the suspect. This is a testament to how working collaboratively can result in the effective and safe arrest of an individual,” said Glassford.

Modern policing continues to evolve and technology “is helping officers respond more effectively,” Glassford added.

“This tool does not replace the frontline police officer. Instead it enhances the work our officers do every day by providing initial information, specialized capabilities and that greater situational awareness,” she said.

Red Deer RCMP brought the DFR program to life through partnerships with City of Red Deer Municipal Policing Services, Red Deer Emergency Services, K Division RCMP Air Services and the local RCMP drone pilots.

“The City of Red Deer is very pleased to be partnering with the RCMP in the implementation of the Drone as First Responder program,” said John Ferguson, the City of Red Deer’s manager of Municipal Policing Services

“This is about using technology in practical ways to make our community safe. … With a drone in the sky, it’s going to give our police officers real-time information from the air — in most cases, even before they arrive. Our officers will be able to have a better understanding of what they’re running into and they’ll be able to make more informed decisions. Most importantly, it’ll help ensure that the right resources are being deployed.”

DFR is also used to support Red Deer Emergency Services (RDES). In recent weeks, DFR has assisted RDES with responses to two fires in forested areas, providing responding crews with real-time aerial intelligence as they arrived on scene.

“The Drone as a First Responder program provides RDES with earlier situational awareness as we respond to an unfolding emergency,” said acting fire chief Curtis Schaefer.

“Whether it is a fire, river rescue, or another type of emergency, the drone can provide valuable information to our crews before they arrive on scene. It is also helpful in identifying the location and extent of brush fires, particularly in Red Deer’s forested and natural areas.”