WA Police selects RocketDNA to support drone pilot

The Western Australia Police Force (WAPOL) has selected RocketDNA to supply drone-in-a-box systems to support its Drone as First Responder program.

Under the agreement, WA Police will strategically position drone-in-a-box systems provided by the company to strategic positions across the state, ready for deployment during law enforcement tasks including emergency response, surveillance and search-and-rescue operations.

WAPOL has already begun trialling drone-in-a-box equipment at Yanchep Police Station as part of an Australian-first trial. The year-long pilot program will test the technology in a range of weather conditions, and will test both line of sight and remote operation of the drones.

The trial will involve using drones that can be stored in a portable drone dock, deployed in strategic locations, launched remotely and have their batteries automatically recharged. The drones will be used to livestream footage to the mobile phones of frontline police, as well as officers and other agencies at the State Operations Command Centre. WAPOL is testing the drones for applications including simulated public safety scenarios such as missing person searches and the tracking of vehicles.

RocketDNA’s contract with WA Police is for a three-year term, with an option to extend for a further two one-year periods. There is no guaranteed minimum order or formal commitment. RocketDNA MD Christopher Clark said the company is “honoured” to have been selected to support the Drone as First Responder program.

“This opportunity opens an entire new vertical for the company, incorporating our BVLOS and remote operations experience, to assist the WA Police in responding quickly and effectively to a wide range of law enforcement tasks across the state, reinforcing public safety initiatives, improving emergency responses times and assisting in better allocation of resources within WAPOL,” he said.

The contract is a potential gateway to a long-term relationship with WA Police and a possible springboard to contracts with other government authorities across Australia, Clark said.

Image caption: Drone-in-a-box. Image credit: RocketDNA.