Surrey Police work at the city's large will include the inaugural launch of the department's Remote Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS), or drones.
The goal of the RPAS program is to "support investigations, assist members of the public, manage public order and emergency events," according to on Thursday (April 17).
"RPAS use has become common practice in policing," the report notes. "Larger police organizations such as Calgary and Vancouver have developed programs with a fleet of RPAS that are unique to law enforcement."
Surrey Police (SPS) has four drones, two of which will fly Saturday above streets of Newton during the massive annual Khalsa Day (Vaisakhi) parade, among the world's largest nagar kirtan processions, celebrating the creation of the Sikh Khalsa in 1699.
Last year's day-long parade saw an estimated on streets surrounding Gurdwara Sahib Dasmesh Darbar temple, 12885 85 Ave.
With crowds that large, it can be easy for people to become separated from their group or loved ones. During previous Vaisakhi celebrations in Surrey, police and emergency staff have responded to dozens of incidents of missing children or elderly persons (see safety tips below).
This year, members of South Fraser Search and Rescue Society will be there to help search for anyone reported lost or missing during the parade, with a command post at 124 Street and 80 Avenue. People can call 778-826-0727 to report a missing person at the event.
The SPS says its new drone system, which the department began researching in 2023, could help in such missing-persons incidents, among others.
"RPAS flights are not conducted for surveillance purposes, however, may be used in exigent circumstances where there is an imminent risk to life or safety that can be alleviated by using an RPAS and/or where there is judicial authorization," says .
The drone system "will also not be used to record and/or identify members of the public involved in peaceful protests or demonstrations, unless their activities are intermingled with protests by other persons whose activities are not peaceful, lawful and safe," the post adds.
Authority for police to use RPAS is governed by legislation including the Criminal Code, Aeronautics Act and Canadian Aviation Regulations.
"Police must legally justify the use of drones," the webpost notes. "Each use of an RPAS by SPS is reviewed and only conducted if legal authority and/or judicial authorization have been obtained."
Flight missions may be recorded, and "all recordings that are of evidentiary or training value are handled and stored in accordance with SPS鈥檚 . Imagery and/or data that is of no evidentiary or training value is retained for 30 days and then deleted."
Surrey Police safety tips for the Vaisakhi parade:
鈥� Save the day-of-the-event Missing Person Report Line Phone number (778-826-0727) in your phone.
鈥� Take a family photo before you leave the house on the morning of the parade. This will help in locating them if needed.
鈥� Familiarize your family members with their surroundings and have a pre-planned meeting place for the end of the event or in case you get separated.
鈥� Make sure your family members have some form of identification and your contact information.
鈥� Keep your children within eyesight at all times.
鈥� If a family member goes missing, notify the nearest police officer or Search and Rescue volunteer.
鈥� People should leave pets at home, as they may become easily startled and scared with all the people and loud noises.
Saturday, road closures will be in place from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Delays should be expected for travel between 72 Avenue to 88 Avenue, and Scott Road to King George Boulevard.
Maps, shuttle stops and more details are found on the parade website, .
