Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) Program
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Description
Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) are used by the RCMP to capture aerial images and videos in support of RCMP law enforcement and public safety activities. A RPAS is a power-driven aircraft where its components, such as a camera, are operated without a flight crew member on board. It is also commonly referred to as a drone, Small Unmanned Aircraft (SUA), Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), and Unmanned Aerial System (UAS). The RCMP currently operates several different systems that carry both still and video cameras, infrared cameras or thermal imagery. When in operation, the RPAS is flown by a pilot remotely, while a payload operator is responsible to capture any images and video. Only when deemed necessary would images and videos be recorded.
The RPAS program started in Saskatchewan in January 2010 with one RPAS used for collision reconstruction. RPAS have since advanced RCMP operations in the areas of:
- Crime scene examination
- Forensic collision reconstruction
- Monitoring the airspace when Very Important Persons (VIP)/Internationally Protected Persons (IPP) are present in Canada
- Natural disasters
- Surveillance of the landscape before an operation is executed in order to help police plan better and potentially avoid dangerous situations
- Monitoring the Border between Canada and the United States for illicit activities
- Search and rescue
- As first responders (in pilot stage)
- Monitoring the airspace over public events (with notice to the public where possible)
- Monitoring critical incidents such as emergency response teams, and
- Surveillance and researching RPA countermeasures.
The RCMP does not use RPAS to perform widespread surveillance under normal circumstances. RPAS are used for surveillance purposes only with prior judicial authorization, or where urgent or exigent circumstances make it impractical to first obtain a warrant.
The RCMP currently operates several different systems that carry both still and video cameras, infrared cameras or thermal imagery. Additional payloads such as magnetometers, hyperspectral imaging, and LASER/LIDAR technology are also being examined. These advances contribute to the success of the RCMP's mission of preserving the peace, upholding the law and providing quality service in partnership with communities.
Use of RPAS strengthens the RCMP's ability to achieve its mandate of preventing and investigating crime; maintaining peace and order; enforcing laws; contributing to national security; ensuring the safety of state officials and visiting dignitaries; and providing vital operational support services to communities and other police and law enforcement agencies within Canada. RPAS are able to provide an overhead view on a scene to support RCMP members, helping the RCMP provide a more improved and safer service.
Why a privacy impact assessment was completed
The RCMP is committed to safeguarding personal information collected and continuously reviews its policies and procedures to ensure compliance to the Privacy Act and Treasury Board Secretariat policies. The RPAS Program uses drones to capture images and video in support of the RCMP law enforcement and public safety mandate. These images and video may include personal information as defined in the Privacy Act, and which may be used to make decisions about individuals to whom the information relates. A PIA is required as per the Directive on Privacy Practices - Standard on Privacy Impact Assessment.
Additional information
The PIA found additional opportunities to improve the transparency of the RCMP’s use of RPAS, through policy updates, public communications and updates to personal information banks. Requirements for notification to the RCMP ATIP Privacy Management Division of suspected privacy breaches will also be added to the program's standard operating procedures.
Related personal information banks
- Operational Case Records - RCMP PPU 005
- Protection of Personnel and Government Property - RCMP PPU 055
- Criminal Operations Intelligence Records (Exempt Bank) - RCMP PPU 015
- National Security Investigations Records (Exempt Bank) - RCMP PPU 025
For more information about this privacy impact assessment
Contact the RCMP's Privacy Management Division at atippolicy_politiqueaiprp@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
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