Posted by : Rita Sittler  On August 13th, 2026 8:31 am

      

The Medicine Hat Police Service, in partnership with Skydio, a drone technology provider, is conducting a three-day remotely operated drone pilot program to evaluate the operational feasibility of using drones piloted from police headquarters to support police response.

Over the course of the pilot, a drone will be deployed from the station to support emergency and operational calls for service. MHPS will collect real-world deployment data, response footage, performance metrics, and lessons learned to help inform evidence-based decisions about the potential future implementation of an expanded drone program.

The MHPS is exploring the use of drone technology to determine whether it can enhance community and officer safety by providing timely, up-to-date information that helps guide a safe and effective response to calls for service.

Community safety, privacy, and responsible use remain central to this pilot. Drone deployments will be conducted in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and MHPS policies, and the technology will be used only to support public safety operations. Any information collected during the pilot will be managed in accordance with applicable privacy legislation and MHPS policies.

At the conclusion of the pilot on August 14, 2026, MHPS will review the findings and assess whether remotely operated drone technology could responsibly support future police operations.

Media Contact:

Rita Sittler
Business Services Manager
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416