NT Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro (centre) with (L to R) Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, MP for Braitling Joshua Burgoyne, MP for Namatjira Bill Yan, Acting Police Commissioner Martin Dole and Assistant Commissioner Peter Kennon during her recent visit to Alice Springs. Photo: NT Government.
Alice Springs police have been given the go-ahead to use drones to support officers and track offenders.
The Northern Territory has welcomed a decision by the federal government and Civil Aviation Safety Authority to fast-track an exemption for Alice Springs police to use the drones.
“During my visit to Alice Springs last week, I had the opportunity to see the police drone team in action and witness firsthand the important role this capability plays for police,” NT Chief Minister Lisa Finocchiaro says.
Police will be able to cover all of Alice Springs, provide aerial support to officers, track offenders, conduct patrols and extend coverage to more remote areas of the territory.
“I’m proud to have brokered this deal with the Federal Government which supports our commitment to reduce crime and support our police,” Finocchiaro said.
“I thank the Federal Government for recognising the vital role these tools play and for supporting police efforts to make Alice Springs a safer place.”
Last week the chief minister outlined what she saw as seven priority reforms for the federal government, one of which was the CASA exemption for Alice Springs police drone pilots.
The other six reforms she targeted were:
- Centrelink payments to be made on current takeaway alcohol-free days only;
- reintroduce compulsory work or training programs with fortnightly reports;
- audit the performance of federally funded programs;
- make royalty distributions in communities, not in Alice Springs;
- implement total income management for parents of youth offenders; and
- manage the income of negligent parents referred by the Territory government.
Finocchiaro and Police Commissioner, Michael Murphy recently visited Alice Springs as the town was rocked by serious and escalating violence, which culminated in a mother and baby being attacked during a home invasion by two youths.
The baby had to be flown to an Adelaide hospital with a fractured skull and is reported to be recovering.
