Police are trialling remotely operated drones over Moree, controlled from Sydney, in what’s being described as an Australian-first approach to regional policing.

The drones provide live aerial vision to officers responding to incidents, with authorities saying the goal is faster response times and stronger support on the ground. Police stress the technology is used for active crime situations — not general surveillance — and footage is only recorded when responding to incidents.

But the trial has sparked debate.

Privacy advocates question how live-stream monitoring will be managed, what safeguards are in place, and whether this kind of technology could affect public trust in smaller communities.

Brent speaks with Deputy Commissioner Paul Pisanos from the New South Wales Police Force about how the system works, why Moree was chosen, and whether this is smart modern policing — or a step too far.