Today, Road Policing Command (RPC) Assistant Commissioner Mike Keating joined Police Minister Mark Ryan to unveil new Forensic Crash Unit motorbikes equipped with drone technology to help map crash sites.
The use of drone technology significantly reduces scene mapping time and subsequent road closure times, significantly improving the quality and accuracy of evidence captured at crash scenes. The implementation costs less than mapping methods previously used.
It is estimated that in one year, congestion caused by traffic incidents on Brisbane roads cost the community 23 million dollars in lost time and productivity.
Assistant Commissioner Keating said that for 23 years, the Forensic Crash Unit (FCU) had been utilising the same technology for their investigations.
"A Project Team was established to identify emerging technology to replace outdated mapping methods to reduce road closure times and subsequent traffic congestion," Assistant Commissioner Keating said.
"The team identified that innovative drone technology had the potential to significantly reduce road scene mapping times.
"The reduction in road closure times at fatal and serious scenes is a huge cost saving benefit to the Queensland community that does not compromise police investigations."
Police Minister Mark Ryan described it as a win-win-win.
"Roads closed for a shorter period, better evidence and no increase in cost," Minister Ryan said.
"This innovative approach to policing is why the QPS 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."
Initially the QPS has deployed four operational drones with eight operational drone pilots in South East Queensland. This implementation significantly reduces road closure times at crashes and drastically benefits Queenslanders by reducing traffic congestion and the associated costs to the community.
