Remote Drone Trial Commences in Moree

NSW Police have initiated an Australian-first six-month trial of remotely controlled drones in Moree, located over 600 kilometers from Sydney. Pilots operating from Sydney's Bankstown Airport will control drones deployed from a Moree rooftop, providing live video assistance to ground police.

NSW Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley stated the initiative is focused on community safety and crime reduction, not surveillance.

NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon echoed this sentiment, explaining the drones will be used similarly to helicopters for operational matters like break-ins. He clarified that flights will not be recorded unless in response to a specific crime incident and are not intended for general surveillance of private property.

Why Moree?

Commissioner Lanyon cited Moree's high crime rate and its remote location from Sydney as ideal for testing the remote operation capabilities. Moree Mayor Susannah Pearse noted significant community support, with residents having long suggested drones could aid local policing efforts.

This trial follows the launch of Operation Soteria in March last year, which targets young individuals involved in violent crimes in the state's north and west. Early statistics from the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) indicate a decrease in youth offending rates in the New England-North West region.

Privacy Concerns

Despite police assurances, the NSW/ACT Aboriginal Legal Service, represented by principal legal officer Nadine Miles, expressed concerns regarding the potential for covert surveillance. Miles stated that the trial risks impacting individuals' right to private property and could increase mistrust in police, potentially altering how people use public spaces.

Human Rights Commissioner Lorraine Finlay also raised concerns about the trial's consistency with NSW law safeguards, seeking clarity from NSW Police on compliance with surveillance legislation. Commissioner Lanyon affirmed that police are working with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to meet all legislative requirements.

Minister Catley anticipates national and international attention for the trial, particularly from law enforcement agencies across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region, due to the innovative remote control aspect.