RCMP helicopters in B.C. can now stream live video from the air directly to a police intelligence centre, giving officers on the ground real-time information as incidents unfold.
B.C. RCMP Air Services is now sending live aerial footage to the Real Time Intelligence Centre-BC (RTIC-BC) in Surrey. Staff there from several law enforcement agencies monitor police operations around the clock and pass information to frontline officers.
RCMP said the technology is already helping frontline policing, including BC Highway Patrol.
“Having this ability to livestream footage from the sky, during and as a police incident is happening, gives us tremendous access to real-time observations from the pilot and Tactical Flight Officer (TFO) perspectives,” said Insp. Kevin Kilar, officer in charge of B.C. RCMP Air Services.
Police said the technology recently helped highway patrol stop a dangerous driver in Burnaby.
On Oct. 13, a helicopter crew spotted a black BMW speeding and weaving along Highway 1 at more than 160 km/h, police said. The crew relayed the car’s location and direction to highway patrol officers, who later pulled the driver over. The driver received $788 in tickets.
“Getting real time information from Air Services gives BC Highway Patrol a significant advantage in safely intercepting dangerous driving and enforcing the law effectively,” said Sgt. Michael McLaughlin of BC Highway Patrol.
“Our goal in the RTIC-BC is to enhance public and officer safety by providing timely and actionable intelligence to support frontline law enforcement operations,” said Insp. Scott Grimmer of RTIC-BC.
The two RCMP helicopters based in the Lower Mainland have the livestreaming technology now. The rest of the provincial fleet is expected to be outfitted by 2028.
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