Vancouver police roll out drones, upgraded body cameras aimed at boosting response times

Vancouver police have some new tools in their arsenal that they say will improve public safety.

The Vancouver Police Department says new technology being deployed across the city will improve safety for residents, visitors and officers.

The department has become the first in Canada to deploy six Skydio X10 drones as part of a “drone as first responder” program, following testing and approval from Transport Canada.

Police say the drones are launched from rooftop pods across Vancouver, including at the Tactical Training Centre, and can be sent to calls within seconds. The devices have a range of nearly five kilometres and can travel up to 45 kilometres per hour.

“Our pilots can see in real time what’s happening, you know, which calls on the police response board that they can go to, and (that) allows for the immediate deployment,” said Insp. Wade Rodrigue of the force’s training section.

Rodrigue says response times for the drones are between one minute and a minute and a half from when a call for service is received. Police add the drones can link to body-worn cameras and may be automatically deployed if an officer calls for help.

The VPD says the program is funded within its existing budget and is not connected to preparations for the FIFA World Cup.

On the ground, officers are also expanding the capabilities of Axon body cameras. Police say the devices can now translate more than 50 languages in real time and livestream video back to the operations command centre.

“This technology helps us break down language barriers, improve safety, and build stronger trust,” said VPD Supt. Kevin Bernardin.

Meanwhile, police say 73 cruisers equipped with automated licence plate recognition cameras are also being deployed to help officers identify vehicles of interest more quickly.

Officials say the combined technologies are expected to improve response times, decision-making and overall public safety.