Police to trial drones to uncover hidden graves in murder cold cases

In a groundbreaking move, police are set to trial the use of drone technology to locate hidden graves in unsolved murder cases. The initiative, which is part of an ongoing effort to leverage modern tools in criminal investigations, is being spearheaded by Inspector Darren Russell, who oversees police aviation, maritime, and border operations.

"We’re using technology such as multi-spectral cameras and LiDAR to detect disturbances in the ground or changes in vegetation that might indicate the presence of a body," Russell explained. The technology is expected to play a crucial role in cold cases where traditional methods have failed to uncover evidence.

According to data obtained by the Weekend Herald, since July 1, 2023, police have conducted approximately 14,000 drone flights. With a fleet of 150 drones distributed across the country, police have been increasingly relying on this technology for a range of tasks, from crime scene mapping to surveillance in high-risk situations.

While the focus of the upcoming trials is on murder investigations, drones have already proven to be invaluable in other policing scenarios. For example, they are used to monitor public events, track fleeing offenders, and assist in search and rescue operations. Russell noted that in one instance, a drone equipped with a thermal camera helped locate a missing person in a remote area.

Despite the benefits, the use of drones raises important privacy considerations. The Privacy Commissioner, Michael Webster, emphasized that all public agencies, including police, must comply with the Privacy Act when collecting personal information through drone footage. "Personal information should only be collected, shared, or used in a way that has a clear, legal purpose and is proportionate," Webster stated.

Police are also cautious about the potential misuse of drone technology. "We have no intention of using anything that might be weaponized," Russell said, noting that while weaponized drones are not currently in use by police in New Zealand, there is a growing concern about their potential adoption by criminals.

As the trials progress, police are expected to refine their protocols for using drones in sensitive investigations. The goal is to enhance public safety while ensuring that the technology is used responsibly and in accordance with legal and ethical standards.