The Queensland Police Service will use the latest technology to save the community millions of dollars in lost time and productivity and dramatically reduce the impact of major traffic incidents.
The Forensic Crash Unit Aerial Mapping Project has demonstrated that using the latest drone technology it can cut crash scene mapping times in half.
This is a big deal.
It was estimated that in one year congestion caused by traffic incidents on Brisbane roads cost the community $23m in lost time and productivity.
One contributing factor to the time for road closure during traffic incidents was scene mapping by investigating officers of the Forensic Crash Unit.
As a consequence, the Forensic Crash Unit Aerial Mapping Project was set up to evaluate the benefits of using drone technology to map crash scenes.
The results are impressive.
The Project Team conducted trials this year using the very latest drone technology, to reduce scene mapping time by approximately 50% thereby significantly reducing road closure times.
Other benefits include a significant improvement in the quality and accuracy of evidence captured at the scene, with implementation being no more than current mapping methods.
Police Minister Mark Ryan described it as a win-win-win.
"Roads closed for a shorter period, better evidence and no increase in cost.
"This innovative approach to policing is why the Queensland Police Service is rightly regarded internationally as a world class operation.
"Queensland Police are always looking to technology to provide better outcomes for the community.
"This has been a thoroughly researched project and included consultation with key stakeholders to develop procedures and policies for the effective and safe deployment of the drone technology on motorways, highways and major arterial roads and its subsequent admissibility in court," the Minister said.
The Forensic Crash Unit has now deployed four operational drones with eight operational drone pilots in South East Queensland.
The implementation of the innovative drone technology by the Forensic Crash Unit will significantly benefit Queenslanders by reducing traffic congestion and the associated cost in lost time and productivity.
