Drones to aid Victoria Police's SAR efforts

A dedicated drone unit for Victoria Police has been unveiled at Essendon Airport in Melbourne’s west.

The unmanned aerial drones can be used in emergency management situations as a communication tool, and will also support a wide variety of police operations such as mapping crime scenes, search and rescue, and supplying first aid, food and water for people in hard-to-reach areas, such as rooftops, cliff faces or mineshafts.

Over the next 12 months, Victoria Police expects to have at least 50 drones available and up to 70 specialist operators trained across the state.

“Every second counts during emergency incidents — these drones can be rapidly deployed and provide police with the speed and flexibility they need,” said Acting Premier and Minister for Police and Emergency Services Lisa Neville.

Pictured: Victoria’s Acting Premier and Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Lisa Neville, with some of the new drones. Courtesy @LisanevilleMP

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