Public Safety And Privacy In Hamilton

In light of ongoing concerns over potential surveillance misuse, Hamilton Police in Canada still recommend broadening their police drone operations, as per a recently unveiled report. The drone program, launched in 2020, has seen police deployment 59 times thus far.

The Hamilton police’s initiative to operate Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) was spotlighted in the May 25 police services board meeting. This discussion follows a series of reports by CBC Hamilton, probing the privacy implications of the program, with backlash from community groups, researchers, and political figures alike.

While Deputy Chief Paul Hamilton did not address these worries directly during his brief presentation, Coun. Cameron Kroetsch vocalized his apprehension over the drone’s role in citizen surveillance, particularly during public gatherings. However, he recognized their value in specific scenarios and investigations.

The drone fleet’s purposes, as detailed by Hamilton, include