Sask. RCMP rolling out drone patrols of Canada/U.S. border

WATCH: Residents along Saskatchewan's southern border with the U.S. may begin seeing more drones on patrol in the near future.

A drone patrol system intended to strengthen border security between the U.S. and Canada is now undergoing a trial period in the prairie provinces.

The creation of the RCMP Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) corridor was first announced by the RCMP Federal Policing Northwest Region on Monday, with the program taking effect at 9 p.m.

The program’s trial period is set to cover Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.

The RPAS corridor is 500 feet high within a nautical mile (1.85 kilometres) north of the border and is meant to improve security against issues like illegal entry and smuggling.

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According to the RCMP, the corridor won’t restrict flight activity. However, local pilots of planes or drones are asked to use caution and notify RCMP ahead of time if they’re planning to fly in the airspace.

“The RCMP is committed to advancing the use of RPAS technology to enhance our service delivery models that protect the security of our border,” Assistant Commissioner Lisa Moreland said in the RCMP announcement.

“The use of this technology and the creation of the RCMP RPAS corridor will also augment our ability to enhance coordination efficiencies amongst our law enforcement partners, which will ultimately have a direct impact on public safety.”

The impact and operational value of the initiative will be continually assessed, according to the RCMP.

The RPAS corridor was established in collaboration with Transport Canada.