Peel Police Set to Deploy Drones for 911 Responses in Canada

UPDATE: Peel Regional Police are poised to become the first police force in Canada to deploy drones as first responders for selected 911 calls. Deputy Chief Anthony Odoardi revealed this groundbreaking initiative in a statement to Global News, emphasizing that it aims to significantly enhance response times and provide officers with critical real-time information before they arrive on the scene.

The plan is currently in the planning and regulatory review phase, with a limited pilot program expected to launch soon. While the specific types of calls for drone deployment are still being finalized, Odoardi mentioned that they may include in-progress incidents such as break and enters, missing vulnerable persons, and auto thefts. This innovative approach could redefine emergency response protocols in Ontario and beyond.

Over the past few years, police forces across Canada have increasingly embraced drone technology for various purposes. For instance, in June, an Ontario Provincial Police drone played a pivotal role in locating a missing three-year-old girl in Coteau-du-Lac, Quebec. The child was found four days later, sitting alone in a ditch along a highway, approximately 100 km from where she was reported missing. Such instances highlight the potential life-saving capabilities of drones in emergency scenarios.

Moreover, the Vancouver Police Department has also integrated drone technology into their daily operations, with their drones conducting 1,826 missions in 2024 alone. Superintendent Don Chapman noted that these drones are essential to managing the 700 calls for service they receive each day. Recently, a drone was instrumental in apprehending murder suspect Brendan Colin McBride, further proving their effectiveness in real-time policing.

Peel Police are committed to ensuring that their drones are used strictly for designated purposes. Odoardi reassured the public that all drone operations will be managed by trained officers through the Aerial Support Unit, emphasizing that the technology will not be used for general surveillance or facial recognition. “We are dedicated to advancing technology in our service to better support our communities and equip officers with the tools needed to enhance emergency response efforts,” Odoardi said.

As this initiative progresses, community consultations and privacy protection measures, such as a Privacy Impact Assessment, will guide its implementation. The pilot program will evaluate operational value, costs, and community impact, ensuring that the deployment of drones aligns with public safety and privacy concerns.

Stay tuned for further updates as Peel Regional Police prepare to make history with this innovative approach to emergency response. The potential for drones to transform policing in Canada is rapidly becoming a reality, and the implications for public safety are significant.