Missing person – located by LPS, using help from above

Oct 16, 2020 | 1:33 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB. — In police work, it isn’t always handcuffs and fire power. Officers have an array of tools at their disposal.

LPS recently used airborne technology to safely return a missing person to their home. The case began when a person went missing from a West Lethbridge home, shortly after 8:00-pm Wednesday (Oct. 14) evening and disappeared into a nearby open field.

There was concern for the safety of the individual, as they weren’t dressed appropriately for below-freezing temperatures.

Lethbridge police have invested in three Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV’s), or drones, and an officer trained in the use of the craft was called in about 10 p.m. to conduct the search.

LPS Drone — photo credit to LPS

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Despite the challenges of cool temperatures, wind and obstacles including power lines and an electrical substation in the area, the police pilot was able to locate the man with the aid of the drone’s infrared camera.

Directed by the drone pilot, fellow officers found the missing person and returned them home just before midnight.

LPS have been using drones since 2015 for specific operational purposes including support for frontline resources, in critical incidents and search and rescue.

Lethbridge Police UAV pilots are trained, licensed and follow regulations and guidelines from Transport Canada and NAV Canada.

by Dori Modney