The Brussels-Capital Ixelles police zone has begun testing drones for diverse interventions, such as fires and high-risk disappearances, the force announced on Saturday.
The tests are being conducted within a strictly defined area of the extensive Brussels-Capital Ixelles police zone, though specific locations were not disclosed. The drones operate beyond the visual line of sight due to collaboration with Skeyes, the public company managing air traffic control.
These security drones are remotely operated from the dispatch centre, explained the Brussels-Capital Ixelles police. The drones are controlled by an external pilot from telecom service provider Citymesh. The pilot holds the necessary licences but will not have access to the footage captured. The police ensured that images are managed in compliance with GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) by an operational member of their team.
A thorough impact analysis on rights, freedoms, and data protection is planned as part of the test phase, the police emphasised.
During this testing phase, drones will be deployed for emergencies that are both unforeseeable and exceptional, including fires, high-risk disappearances, riots, attacks, and chases.
