The Calgary Police Service uses Remote Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), commonly known as drones, to help officers gather information, assess incidents and make informed decisions while responding to a wide range of public safety situations.
Drones provide officers with valuable aerial perspectives that can improve situational awareness, support investigations and enhance public and officer safety.
All CPS drone operations are conducted in accordance with applicable laws, Transport Canada regulations, CPS policies and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
How the CPS uses drones
Drones provide a unique aerial perspective that can help officers safely assess situations, gather information and support investigations.
The CPS may use drones for:
- Traffic collision and reconstruction investigations
- Tactical operations
- Missing person searches
- Evidence gathering and investigative support
- Emergency and public safety incidents
- Monitoring large-scale public events to support situational awareness, crowd safety and operational planning
In many situations, drones can quickly provide information that would otherwise be difficult or unsafe to collect from the ground.
Privacy, Accountability and Responsible Use
The CPS balances the use of emerging technology with strong privacy protections.
Our trained drone operators:
- Are certified and trained to operate police drones safely and legally
- Follow applicable laws, regulations and CPS policies
- Deploy drones for specific operational purposes, and not for routine monitoring of neighbourhoods or individuals
Drone as First Responder Trial
Starting in September 2026, the CPS will begin a Drone as First Responder (DFR) trial. The trial will evaluate whether remotely deployed drones can provide real-time aerial information to officers responding to select calls for service.
In some situations, a drone may arrive before responding officers and provide information that can help assess risk, understand unfolding events and determine the most appropriate response.
How the DFR Trial Works
When an incident occurs, a trained and certified CPS officer can remotely deploy a drone from a fixed docking location. The drone travels to the incident and provides real-time aerial information to responding officers.
This information may help officers:
- Better understand what is happening at the scene
- Identify potential risks
- Determine what resources may be required
- Make informed operational decisions
Frequently Asked Questions
Are drones used for surveillance?
No. CPS drones are deployed for specific operational purposes and are not used for routine monitoring of neighbourhoods, communities or individuals.
Do drones use facial recognition technology?
No. CPS drones do not use facial recognition technology.
Can CPS drones scan and run licence plates?
No. CPS drones do not use automated licence plate reader technology.
Are drones operated by artificial intelligence?
No. CPS drones are operated by trained pilots. Decisions regarding deployment, flight operations and recording are made by people.
Do drones record on the way to the scene?
No. CPS drones do not record on the way to scenes.
Who can access the footage collected by the drone?
Access to recorded video is restricted to authorized personnel with a legitimate operational, investigative, evidentiary or accountability-related purpose.
How long is the footage kept?
The length of time footage is kept in compliance with the CPS Digital Evidence and Retention Policies.
Are CPS drones safe to operate? Could they fall and injure someone?
Safety is the highest priority in every drone operation. CPS drones are operated by trained and certified pilots and all flights must comply with Transport Canada regulations and CPS policies.
Drone operations are carefully planned and subject to strict safety requirements set out by Transport Canada, NAV Canada and CPS Policies and Procedures. Pilots assess weather conditions, airspace and potential risks before every flight and drones are only deployed when it is safe to do so.
What if I have concerns about a CPS drone operation?
Anyone with questions about drone operations can contact the CPS. Members of the public who wish to make a complaint about police conduct may do so through the Police Review Commission.