Police get new eyes in the sky – but not here

Police have confirmed the new drones won''t be rolled out to Pakenham, Dandenong, Narre Warren or Cranbourne at this stage. 186578_01

By Danielle Kutchel

Police have a new high-flying tool in their crime fighting arsenal – but they’re unlikely to be seen in our skies any time soon.

Victoria Police is establishing its first ever Drone Unit, which will provide Victoria Police with the capability to use drones in a range of operational duties across the state. Victoria Police aims to acquire up to 50 drones over the next 12 months to be used by the new unit as well as specialist areas and regional officers.

A spokesperson for Victoria Police has confirmed there are no plans to roll them out to Dandenong, Narre Warren, Cranbourne or Pakenham at this stage.

The Drone Unit will aim to progressively train officers from specialist units such as Operations Response Unit and Search and Rescue, along with regional officers to provide their own localised basic drone services.

It’s expected the Drone Unit will be fully established by the end of August 2019.