A trial aimed at expanding the capabilities of police in regional NSW got underway recently with commands across the west taking a keen interest in the outcomes.

The NSWPF Aviation Command installed drone operating equipment on the roof of Moree Police Station on Thursday 8 January, opening the gate on a new era for police aerial resources.

During the trial, the drones will be operated from the Aviation Command base at Bankstown Airport and used to boost local police operations at various times throughout the day and night in the Moree township.

‘’The drones will support public safety by enhancing the NSWPF aviation capability to prevent, disrupt and respond to criminal activity in Moree," a spokesperson for the NSWPF Aviation Command told the Western Plains App.

"It will also support local police in other front line policing functions."

Western NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Holland says communitiesacross the western plains may see the drone technology if the trial has success.

He endorses an extension of the trial to other areas in his command.

“The word ‘trial’ is there for a reason. If there are concerns or issues that need to be raised from a local level, we will address them,” he said.

“The idea behind this system is that it gives us that eye in the sky and also reduces risk to our police.

"If something happens and we need to track someone, we’ll have that ability from the sky.

“Police can zoom in, see what the situation is, and assess which emergency management responses will be needed.

“We can also use a drone if there’s a report of a serious motor vehicle collision near town.

"Similarly, we can use drones for search and rescue."

Local stakeholders are looking forward to seeing what impact the drones might have in the fight against crime.

"If this trial stops even one violent break and enter or makes offenders think twice, then that’s a win,” Moree mayor Cr Susannah Pearse says.

"Council understands that community members will have questions and expects more information on the trial will be forthcoming from NSW Police as testing and rollout progresses in the coming months.

“This is a trial and its effectiveness will be reviewed.

"But it is a trial that our council strongly welcomes and we are grateful that our community has been selected to work in partnership with NSW Police and be on the cutting edge of policing innovation.”