K-P to acquire drones for police force
PHOTO: FILE
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister Mahmood Khan has approved in principle the project for promotion of modern policing through introduction of surveillance drones.
These drones will be used for flood warning too.
He said that IT based reforms are essential in every sector to ensure efficient service delivery.
The chief minister ordered working out the necessary modalities within 15 days for the scheme.
Initially the project will be implemented in the police and Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) followed by its implementation in mining and agriculture sectors.
Chairing a meeting regarding the introduction of drone technology in police, PDMA, mining and agriculture sectors, Mahmood Khan clarified that the initiative will not only act as a force multiplier but will also make K-P a pioneer in the use of modern technology.
The meeting was informed that the introduction of drone technology will be carried out in divisional headquarters initially which is expected to help in attaining better vantage point during operations, easy and safe monitoring of crime scenes, observance of active threats, delivery of weapons, operational surveillance, traffic control and handling of mob and processions surveillance.
Apart from its use in policing, the initiative will also help in fire/flood surveillance, rescue operations, public announcements, and delivery of rescue items.
According to details, the project is expected to incur Rs500 million, including but not limited to development of training and drones squad, establishment of repair and modification workshop, purchase of drones for operational use, traffic control, mob surveillance, weaponized drones, thermal, night vision, infrared drones, lightweight transportation drones and drones for announcements.
It was informed in the meeting that an institutionalized approach would be adopted in promoting drone technology in the province for which proper structure has been proposed.
The chief minister directed that preparation of legal framework for successful implementation of the project, identification of areas for implementation of the technology and preparation of PC-1 for the project be completed within the specified timelines, adding that use of drone technology has become indispensable keeping in view the growing population, urbanization and access to hilly terrains.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 22nd, 2022.