We reported some weeks ago how the Draganflyer X6 RC helicopter was the first of its kind to be used by the police. The RC helicopter has been picked up by the Saskatoon Police Service in the USA to be used in crime scenes for photographing evidence. It is believed that by using the RC helicopter they’ll be able to photograph scenes much quicker than they would if they had to erect cranes.
The RC helicopter was also used by police in Ontario, the Ontario Provincial Police, when they photographed the scene at a murder in Kenora, Canada on February 21st. The use of a radio controlled helicopter in this manner is the first time that an unmanned vehicle was used to collate evidence in North America.
Controlling the Dragonflyer X6 for police work is a two man job, with one police officer controlling the flight of the vehicle and another controlling the camera, so that it can zoom and take the photographs.
Constable Marc Sharpe stated:
Having used a fixed wing UAV since 2007, I could see the potential for great benefits to our forensic support operations. It gave us the ability to collect aerial evidence quickly and at minimum cost. However, it also became apparent that in order to improve and expand operational effectiveness, an optimal UAV would need certain attributes. It would need to be small and light, have Vertical Take Off and Landing VTOL capabilities, have a GPS hold system while hovering, be constructed of exceptionally strong materials and be completely transportable.