On August 25, 2023, just before midnight, members of the Codiac Regional RCMP responded to a report of a missing woman in mental distress in Dieppe. Police and her family were concerned for her wellbeing as they believed she was disoriented and lost in the woods along the Petitcodiac River.
Due to the urgency of the situation and concern for the woman's health and wellbeing, Police Dog Services was called to the scene but was having difficulties locating the woman. Members of the Codiac RCMP made a quick decision to deploy the RCMP Remotely Piloted Aerial System (RPAS). Within minutes, they were able to locate the missing woman on the infrared camera and she was transported to hospital.
The RPAS Program (also commonly referred to as a drone) is used by the RCMP to capture overhead images and videos to support RCMP operations. The RPAS is a small, power-driven aircraft that is flown by a pilot remotely, while a payload operator is responsible to capture any images and video. The RCMP currently operates several different systems that carry both still and video cameras, infrared cameras or thermal imagery.
"The exceptional work by our RPAS operators and all of the responding members led to the successful resolution of this call," said Superintendent Benoit Jolette with the Codiac Regional RCMP. "This incident is a perfect example of how policing is evolving to use technology, such as the infrared capabilities of the RPAS, to both solve crime and assist with public safety."
Specialized Policing Services, like the RPAS program, strengthen the RCMP's ability to achieve its mandate of preventing and investigating crime; maintaining peace and order; enforcing laws; and providing vital operational support services to other police and law enforcement agencies within Canada. For more information about our specialized policing services, please go to our website.