RCMP eyes fleet of mini-helicopters to give probes a lift across Canada

OTTAWA – They may be better known for riding horses, but the Mounties are trading the clack of hoofs for the whir of rotors with their newest investigative tool.

The RCMP is eyeing creation of a national fleet of small, drone-like helicopters fitted with cameras to help probe crimes, resconstruct traffic accidents and assist with search and rescue.

The unmanned flying machines — which look like dragonflies with spinning rotors on top — have been used since late 2010 on a trial basis by officers in British Columbia and Saskatchewan.

A platform at the bottom of the vehicle holds a remote-controlled camera. A pilot on the ground operates the craft and takes photos using special goggles that visualize what the camera sees.

A second Mountie serves as observer, scanning the flight path for power lines and other hazards.

The RCMP says their eyes in the sky are not being used for general surveillance of people or vehicles.