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APSA E-Newsletter : 2022 November

November 2022 Airborne Public Safety Association, Inc.
APSA E-Newsletter

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In This Issue:

Register for Next Month’s Airborne Thermographer Certification Course in Tampa

Basic & Advanced Training: NIST’s UAS Standard Test Methods Training Courses

Video: State Police Rescue Trapped Boy Scout Troop

Teenagers in Stolen Car Reach 123 MPH Before Deadly Crash

Monthly Webinar Training Series: SMS & Spatial Disorientation

Video: Man Rescued After Being Pinned by "Refrigerator-Sized" Boulder

Broward County Aviation Unit Wins Law Enforcement Award

Mississippi DPS Takes Delivery of New Outfitted Aircraft

Learn From Each Other: Join APSA’s Online Meeting Groups

Florida Man Points Laser at Police Helicopter During Hurricane Ian Aftermath

RCMP Helicopter Helps Seize Drugs, Stolen Motorcycle

Feature Your Aviation Unit Next Year in Air Beat

Erie County Aircrew Honored for Rescues on Grain Elevator

PSP Troopers Bring Helicopter for Special Middle School Visit

Maryland Police Aviation Crew Rescues Injured Hunter & Driver

WATCH: Lincolnshire Police Drone Help Track Down Burglars

NJSP Helicopter Was Highlight of School Event

Alabama Agency Expands Aviation Division With Drone Capabilities

UKʼs National Police Air Service To Purchase 10 New Aircraft

Dubai Police Introduce Drone-in-a-Box for Faster Response

Durham’s Air1 Tracks Offender to Safely Make Arrest

APSA Welcomes New Members

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APSA Training and Education Events 

Welcome!

APSA's E-Newsletter is designed to bring you the latest on news and events within the public safety aviation community. The E-Newsletter may also be read online here at our website.


Register for Next Month’s Airborne Thermographer Certification Course in Tampa

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APSA’s Airborne Thermographer Certification Course is an in-depth study of airborne thermal imagery use in the areas of tactics, technology and theory. The course offers certification as an Airborne Thermographer to qualified students who attend all 24-hours of training, pass the written exam and demonstrate proficiency on the use of a static airborne thermal imagery system. 

Certified Thermographer Instructor Brian Spillane of Teledyne FLIR presents the Airborne Thermographer Certification portion of the course. Airborne thermal imagery experts, featuring lead instructor Nick Minx of Tactical Flying, present the remainder of the course. This course has been specifically designed for public safety aviation personnel for use in support of missions using airborne thermal imagery systems. The course is designed to benefit not only the TFO but the public safety pilot as well, as all of the instructors explain and demonstrate the theory, technology, tactics and legal issues involving the successful use of thermal imagery cameras and systems.

This course will be held in Tampa, FL on December 5-7, 2022. The location is at the Double Tree by Hilton, Tampa Airport Westshore. Registration cost for APSA members is $395/person and $495/person for non-members. Attendees must be registered to participate.  If you are not a member, but would like to join our association and receive the member rates, visit our Membership page. Please call 301-631-2406 for assistance. 

Offered throughout the year, APSA's On-the-Road Courses offer advanced training opportunities led by industry experts. For more information about APSA training and On-the-Road Courses, visit our website or contact APSA Training Program Manager Terry Palmer.

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Basic & Advanced Training: NIST’s UAS Standard Test Methods Training Courses

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APSA is offering both the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Basic and Advanced sUAS Standard Test Methods Proctor Training Courses. In both courses, attendees will learn how to fabricate apparatuses, conduct trials, and embed them into their own training and credentialing programs. Both courses consist of 24 hours of classroom and hands-on flight instruction and evaluation at a cost of $575.

The Basic Course covers two of the four different NIST “test lanes”: Basic Proficiency Evaluation for Remote Pilots (Part 107 qualification) and Open Test Lane.  In addition, everyone who successfully completes the course will have the opportunity to become an APSA Basic Proficiency Evaluation for Remote Pilots (BPERP) flight evaluation proctor. Upcoming courses include:

The Advanced Course addresses managing the NIST obstructed and confined test lanes, night operations, beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations and embedding apparatus within scenarios. Ideally, attendees will have previously completed the APSA NIST Basic sUAS Standard Test Methods Proctor Training Course.  Upcoming courses include:

The NIST sUAS Standard Test Methods are an excellent way to add a sUAS pilot flight skills credentialing component to your sUAS program. Attendees to these courses must be experienced sUAS pilots who want to hone their skills, evaluate sensor systems and/or have a desire to train and evaluate other sUAS pilots. 

If your agency is interested in hosting one of these courses and receiving a free set of NIST sUAS Test Methods apparatus along with complimentary registration, contact APSA Training Program Manager Terry Palmer.

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Video: State Police Rescue Trapped Boy Scout Troop

2022 11 ENews Image03 300pxNew Mexico State Police Aircraft Section was dispatched to the Gila National Forest on October 8 for a Boy Scout troop from Texas that was trapped because of heavy rain and the rising river. A total of 25 people had to be rescued that day. 

Rescue Hoist Operator Kurtus Tenorio said, “We had kind of a rough time getting in there, weather was a pretty big challenge. We knew that the threat of the water rising and washing these people away was a serious danger, so it was our priority just to get them out of that area as fast as possible.” 

The Boy Scout troop of 16 kids and nine adults had become trapped with rushing water around them, forming almost a triangle-shape island. When on scene, the NMSPʼs helicopter had no place to land, so the pilot hovered while crews hoisted down and back up with the kids and adults. The troop was airlifted to the Gila Cliff Dwellings Visitor Center where they were reunited with their families. No one was injured. 

The rescue operation took 17 hours to complete; a short video can be seen here. “Kids were jumping up and down; high fives hugs for everyone. You know, they were extremely excited that we had found them,” Tenorio said. He also said that it was “one of the most technical rescues they had ever done, but it was worth it in the end and makes us real proud to be doing what we do.”  

Source: krqe.com and kiro7.com 

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Teenagers in Stolen Car Reach 123 MPH Before Deadly Crash

2022 11 ENews Image04 300pxHelicopter video from the Pinellas County (FL) Sheriff’s Office Flight Unit shows the moments three teenagers got into a Maserati sports car that had the keys inside and the final moments of them reaching 123 mph before getting into an airborne crash. 

Sheriff Bob Gualtieri said the incident began on Oct. 2 when deputies were responding to an unrelated burglary call in a residential neighborhood. As a PCSO helicopter flew overhead, the pilot spotted three teens walking away in a suspicious manner. As the pilot asked for ground units to investigate the teens, they were spotted getting into a Maserati. Gualtieri said one teenager used his shirt to open the car door in an attempt to conceal his fingerprints from transferring to the car. 

Less than two minutes later, the car pulled onto the road with the lights off and headed east. The aircrew continued to follow the car from above until ground units could attempt a traffic stop. When two police cruisers approached the Maserati from behind, the 15-year-old driver hit the gas, accelerating the sports car to 123 mph, Gualtieri said. “As [the driver] punches it, the deputies immediately turn off their overheads, the sergeant got on the radio and told them to disengage, which they did immediately.” 

Seconds later, the driver lost control, hit a curb, and flipped into the air, landing the car on its roof. Authorities said the front seat passenger, a 15-year-old, died at the scene of the crash. The backseat passenger, a 16-year-old boy, suffered life-threatening injuries. The 15-year-old driver suffered critical but non-life-threatening injuries. Both are expected to survive. 

During the investigation, deputies found a 25-caliber semi-automatic handgun in the front seat that didn't belong to the car owner. The Sheriff's Office believes the teens had the gun in their possession upon getting in the car. Additionally, they also found a glove and black ski mask in the car. 

Source: mysuncoast.com and www.wfla.com

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Monthly Webinar Training Series: SMS & Spatial Disorientation

2022 11 ENews Image05 300pxcroppedRecognizing the need to provide training to those members who may not be able to travel to in-person events, APSA conducts a series of monthly webinars. Scheduled for Thursdays, 1:00-2:30 pm Eastern, the upcoming schedule and topics in this series are:

Registration for these webinars is open. To register, simply click on the webinar(s) you’d like to participate in and complete the registration form. These webinars are offered free of charge to APSA members.  

Interested in sponsoring one or more of these webinars and marketing to the participants?  Contact Benay Osborne by email or call her at 301-631-2406 for details. 

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Video: Man Rescued After Being Pinned by "Refrigerator-Sized" Boulder

2022 11 ENews Image06 300pxA 28-year-old man was rescued last month near Leavenworth, WA after being pinned nearly five hours under a large boulder. According to a media release from the Chelan County (WA) Sheriff's Office, the man's hiking partner called dispatch and reported that his friend was trapped under a large boulder "approximately the size of a refrigerator" in the area of Lake Viviane. The man told a CCSO Search and Rescue coordinator that his friend's wrist was pinned by the boulder, which was also across his legs. 

Based on the man's location and the challenge of getting equipment capable of moving the boulder, a request was made to State Emergency Management for a hoist capable helicopter. Local fire agencies were also contacted for equipment to move the boulder. The Wenatchee Valley Department and Snohomish County Sheriff's Office Helicopter Rescue Team both responded with helicopters, shuttling rescuers and equipment into the scene. Rescuers were all inserted to complete the rescue. 

Using air bladders provided by the Wenatchee Valley Department, rescue crews were able to move the boulder and free the man, more than four hours after the initial report was received. According to the CCSO, by the time the man was freed from the boulder, winds had picked up making the first attempt to hoist him from his position and an attempt to pick him up from a nearby landing zone unsuccessful. 

An hour later, there was enough of a break in the weather to allow Snohomish County to attempt another hoist operation, which this time was successful. See the video here. The man was then airlifted to a hospital with what were described as significant injuries to his leg. 

"This rescue presented challenges not seen very often and could not have been accomplished without the partnerships established with local and out-of-area agencies", said the CCSO in a press release. 

Source: bigcountrynewsconnection.com 

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Broward County Aviation Unit Wins Law Enforcement Award

2022 11 ENews Image07 300pxBroward County (FL) Sheriff Gregory Tony accepted the 2022 Leadership in Police Aviation Award last month from the International Association of Chiefs of Police for the “exemplary form of leadership” demonstrated by the Broward County Sheriff Office (BCSO) Aviation Unit. 

With a keen eye trained from high above, the BCSO Aviation Unit protects residents and visitors. In 2020 and 2021, the Aviation Unit flew more than 6,500 missions, made nearly 900 arrests, and helped recover more than 500 stolen vehicles across Broward County. Their real-time information, which is relayed to responding deputies, has aided in increased apprehensions and safety for ground units. The Aviation Unit also provided assistance to other law enforcement agencies more than 1,500 times during those two years. 

The Aviation Unit consists of two sergeant pilots, five deputy sheriff pilots, six deputy sheriff tactical flight officers and three aircraft technicians. They take great pride in their work and have used their skills to locate missing people, lead ground units to the recovery of stolen vehicles and firearms, assist in search and rescue operations in the Everglades and offshore, and capture a shooting on camera that resulted in the arrest of the gunman. That incident led to national recognition for two members of the unit. 

“I could not be prouder of the success and consistent dedication of the members of the Aviation Unit,” Sheriff Gregory Tony said. “No matter the hour, no matter the call, they possess a relentless desire to serve and protect Broward County. Their efforts have made this community safer. I’m excited to further enhance our Aviation Unit’s performance and capability with the acquisition of new state-of-the-art helicopters.” 

Source: www.sheriff.org/PIO 

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Mississippi DPS Takes Delivery of New Outfitted Aircraft

2022 11 ENews Image08 300pxCNC Technologies delivered an Airbus Helicopters EC135 T2+ to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety Air Operations Unit last month. On hand for the official delivery ceremony were DPS Commissioner Sean Tindell and Mississippi Highway Patrol Colonel Randy Ginn, as well as numerous department heads from within the agency and the MHP Air Operations Unit. 

The aircraft was taken as a trade-in from the Massachusetts State Police and recently sold to Mississippi DPS. The aircraft is equipped with a FLIR Star SAFIRE imager, AeroComputers moving map system, Spectrolab SX-16 searchlight and Troll microwave video downlink system. CNC technical staff integrated the aircraft’s mission equipment system into the existing microwave downlink infrastructure to work alongside the Airbus H125 that is currently being operated. CNC previously installed the H125ʼs MX10 imager, Churchill moving map system and Troll microwave downlink system, as well as a fixed downlink receive site in Gulfport, MS. CNC has also provided mission equipment training to all Air Operations Unit staff. 

The EC135 was recently painted to match the H125. Both aircraft will be used to support law enforcement operations in coordination with city, county and other state agencies by using CNC.LIVE to provide live, cloud-based downlink video for use by ground personnel. 

Source: CNC Technologies LLC 

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Learn From Each Other: Join APSA’s Online Meeting Groups

2022 11 ENews Image09 300pxAPSA conducts regularly scheduled online meetings for safety officers, maintenance technicians, SAR and Natural Resources personnel, and UAS operators that you can join using your computer, mobile device or phone. To facilitate this, the UAS, Safety Officer and Maintenance Technician Meeting Groups meet once every two months, and the SAR Personnel and Natural Resources Meeting Groups meet quarterly. 

These meetings are open to any APSA member. Contract maintenance providers to APSA members are welcome to participate in the maintenance meeting as well. To receive meeting information and be added to the mailing list, send an email to safety@publicsafetyaviation.org

The schedule for upcoming APSA online meetings is as follows:

  • Safety Officers: Friday, November 18, 2022 from 1:00-2:00 PM EST (1800 UTC) 
  • Maintenance: Wednesday, December 7, 2022 from 1:00-2:00 PM EST (1800 UTC) 
  • Natural Resources: Wednesday, December 14, 2022 from 1:00-2:00 pm EST (1800 UTC)

Check next month’s E-Newsletter for the 2023 dates for these meetings.

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Florida Man Points Laser at Police Helicopter During Hurricane Ian Aftermath

2022 11 ENews Image10 300pxA Florida man was arrested after he allegedly shined a laser at a Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) Air-1 helicopter last month. The 44-year-old pointed the green laser at the chopper while pilots were responding to a fire. SCSO said the man’s actions could not have come at a worse time because the area was under a State of Emergency after Hurricane Ian. Deputies were busy assessing damage and guiding ground units around potential hazards. 

“Not only are the man’s actions dangerous, but they have the potential to flash blind and cause long-term damage to the visual capabilities of our pilots,” the Sheriff’s Office wrote in a social media post. Watch the video here. The man was arrested and charged with pointing a laser light at a pilot, which is a felony.  

Source:  local10.com 

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RCMP Helicopter Helps Seize Drugs, Stolen Motorcycle

2022 11 ENews Image11 300pxThe Royal Canadian Mountain Police (RCMP) Air 1 helicopter helped officers recover a stolen motorcycle and satchel containing fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine on Oct. 6. 

According to Surrey RCMP, a motorcycle with no license plate ran a red light before heading northbound. “Air 1, the police helicopter, was in the area and quickly located the motorcycle, safely following it from the sky,” Cpl. Vanessa Munn said. “The driver came to a stop, got off the bike, and fled on foot.” She said police arrested a 38-year-old suspect who had an outstanding warrant for breach of probation.  

Staff Sergeant Duane Honeyman said more than 2,800 doses of illicit drugs were seized. “Police located just under 600 grams of suspected methamphetamine, cocaine and fentanyl in a satchel believed to have been discarded by the suspect while he fled from police. Through additional investigative steps, it was determined that the motorcycle was stolen in September while being test driven by a potential buyer.” 

Source: northdeltareporter.com 

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Feature Your Aviation Unit Next Year in Air Beat

2022 11 ENews Image12 300pxMost articles you read in APSA’s Air Beat magazine come from members like you. With the help of our editorial staff, it’s easy to spotlight the great work of your aviation unit with an article in Air Beat. (It’s our editor’s job to make you look good, so don’t worry if you’re not a writer.) Whether your missions involve law enforcement, emergency medical transport, natural resource conservation, firefighting, or search and rescue, or if you operate helicopters, fixed-wing or unmanned platforms, we’d love to hear from you and be able to spotlight your agency in Air Beat. Email us at airbeat@publicsafetyaviation.org for information. 

 

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Erie County Aircrew Honored for Rescues on Grain Elevator

2022_11_ENews_Image13_300px.jpgThe Erie County (NY) Sheriff's Office honored pilot Sgt. Ryan Rogers and TFO Shawn Young for a helicopter rescue of a man believed to be suicidal and a woman from atop the Cargill Superior Grain Elevator on Sept. 15, 2022. 

It was 10:34 p.m. when the Buffalo Fire Department called the Erie County Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit for backup while trying to save a man from a grain elevator on the Buffalo River. The man, thought by authorities to be suicidal, had climbed to the top of the grain elevator and, while he was breathing, his heartbeat was weak and slow because of insulin he had taken, officials said. A woman had followed the man up the hulking structure and was also stranded. 

Rogers and Young considered landing on the roof of the grain mill before Buffalo Fire officials recommended against it. "The condition of the building was our biggest concern because of how it had deteriorated," Rogers said. "Young brought the helicopter to a constant hover just a few feet above the elevator. That's when Rogers made his move. "I was able to lower myself down to the roof, and that was the moment of truth, when I transitioned my body weight to the roof and wanted to make sure that I didn’t fall through the roof or that it didn’t give out," Rogers said. The roof held and Rogers loaded the man and woman into the helicopter as Young maintained what sheriff's officials called a "prolonged and challenging hover." 

Young said the diversity of police work is what makes the job interesting. “We never know what we’re going to be called to do when we come into work," he said. 

For their bravery, Rogers and Young received the department’s Special Operations Division Award last month at the agency's annual Badge & Shield Club Awards ceremony. 

Source: buffalonews.com 

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PSP Troopers Bring Helicopter for Special Middle School Visit

2022 11 ENews Image14 300pxA Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) Aviation Unit helicopter made a special visit to Westlake Middle School on October 7. Students were able to see the PSP helicopter up close and meet the aircrew. It’s part of an outreach initiative to build connections between students and police. 

The school’s principal, Shannon Patton, said one of the school’s security officers is a retired state trooper. “He contacted some friends to see if they’d be interested and be willing to bring their helicopter here. It’s a special treat for our 8th grade students. We are learning about safety and security, and they are able to answer all kinds of questions for the students,” she said. Students were also able to learn more about what it takes to be a police officer. 

Source: yourerie.com 

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Maryland Police Aviation Crew Rescues Injured Hunter & Driver

2022 11 ENews Image15Troopers from the Maryland State Police Aviation Command (MSPAC) performed an aerial hoist rescue on an injured hunter who fell from a tree stand on Oct. 7. Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) requested MSPAC to medevac an injured hunter who had fallen between 20 and 30 feet from a tree stand in a heavily wooded and remote area of the Cascade Falls Trail. The hunter was in severe pain with several rib fractures and a possible pelvic fracture. 

The aviation crew from Washington Section, Trooper 2 configured the helicopter for an aerial hoist rescue and responded to the scene. While enroute, it was determined that an ATV would not be able to reach the patient. Due to the extended distance and extrication coupled with the patient’s significant injuries, it was requested that Trooper 2 hoist the patient out of the wooded area and transport the patient. 

As the pilots located the extrication site in the wooded area, they maneuvered the Augusta AW-139 helicopter into a steady 150-foot hover. A state trooper/flight paramedic was deployed from the helicopter where the injured hiker was located and a PEP bag was used to package the patient. The patient was hoisted into the helicopter where Trooper 2 transitioned to a medevac and flew the patient to a trauma center in Baltimore. 

In another incident on Oct. 30, a MSPAC helicopter crew assisted first responders from Hardy County, West Virginia with the rescue of an injured driver after a vehicle pursuit. Trooper 5 was dispatched to respond after rescue personnel encountered treacherous and remote conditions for extraction. The victim was a male who sustained injuries when he attempted to flee down a steep embankment, ultimately falling 200 yards.  

Trooper 5 arrived on scene and maneuvered the helicopter into an 80-foot hover above the steep, mountainous terrain and a trooper/paramedic was lowered to the patient. Trooper 5 performed an 80-foot hoist extraction of the patient who was then transported to a medical center for treatment of his injuries. 

Source: Maryland.gov and wcbcradio.com 

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WATCH: Lincolnshire Police Drone Help Track Down Burglars

2022 11 ENews Image16 300pxThe U.K.’s Lincolnshire Police Department has invested in drone technology in a bid to fight crime from the skies, and drones are being used to catch criminals by providing clear and reliable evidence at court, and secure convictions.  

The department recently handed out fines after a police drone was used to track would-be burglars after the offenders attempted to break into a property. The offenders made their way across open fields for over 15 minutes in an effort to escape the police, and the drone’s thermal imaging camera located and tracked them, while the drone pilot coordinated officers on the ground to the location ensuring the would-be burglars were detained. See the footage here.

Kevin Taylor, Chief Drone Pilot and Flight Safety Manager for Lincolnshire Police, said, “This was a great result for the drone team where offenders tried to hide, then outrun our police drone. This is just one of many recent convictions that are a direct result of the forces investment in cost-effective drone technology to compliment officers on the ground.” He continued by saying the drones have become a vital tool for Lincolnshire to allow the department to search vast open areas quickly, allowing officers to be redeployed to other urgent incidents. 

Source: einnews.com 

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NJSP Helicopter Was Highlight of School Event

2022 11 ENews Image17 300pxMt. Horeb Elementary School students and teachers lined the blacktop anticipating a scheduled New Jersey State Police helicopter visit last month. The students were jumping and beaming with excitement as the chopper came into view. The helicopter circled the landing zone several times before it began its descent. The aircrew later explained that determining a safe landing location takes time and great attention to detail.  

"With tremendous thanks to the New Jersey State Police Aviation Bureau, our local fire and police departments, and our Security Compliance Manager, students were able to experience a very exciting and informative assembly. While the highlight was the landing and takeoff of the helicopter, the pilots shared much detail about their jobs, and the students had many questions. It was a great event for all!" said Principal Scott Cook. 

The NJSP Aviation Bureau serves as law enforcement, homeland security, search and rescue, and medevac response providers. Warren Township Schools would like to thank the Aviation Bureau for sharing this experience and for all they do to keep the residents of New Jersey safe. 

Source: tapinto.net 

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Alabama Agency Expands Aviation Division With Drone Capabilities

2022 11 ENews Image18 300pxThe Walker County (AL) Sheriff’s Office is expanding its Aviation Division with the acquisition of a new $16,000 drone system called the SkyDio X2E. The agency has two helicopters, but they said this new grant-funded drone would expand their capabilities. 

“The drone is a little quicker,” Walker County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer TJ Armstrong said. It only takes seconds to launch, but immediately gives the department better visuals of a crime scene. “There are a lot of rural areas in the county, a lot of areas that are sparsely populated, so having eyes in the air really allows us to see things we may not able to see with boots on the ground,” Armstrong said. 

The department would often borrow drones from other agencies, but now, they have access to new technology in house. Armstrong said the drone’s features of thermal imaging make it crucial in SAR and other cases. “It can locate prison arrest escapees,” he said. “Collect evidence, photograph video, map crime scenes from the air above, and it can monitor the county jail and crowd control events.” 

Armstrong said it is also helpful during a time the department is dealing with staffing shortages and a busy call volume. “A lot of times we don’t have the manpower we would like to put boots on the ground and search for a missing child or person in a wooded area or something like that,” Armstrong said. “Having the drone really cuts back on that.” 

Source:  wbrc.com

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UKʼs National Police Air Service To Purchase 10 New Aircraft

2022 11 ENews Image19 300pxUnited Kingdom’s National Police Air Service (NPAS) has issued a tender for seven aircraft, as well as three additional aircraft for the Metropolitan Police. NPAS Head of Flight Operations Paul Watts anticipates a contract award late next year. “Production timescales may well set the pace, but I hope it will be around 18 months to two years after the start of the contract we will see the first aircraft into service,” Watts said. 

In 2020, the National Police Chief’s Council established a 10-year plan for air support and identified an urgent need for new aircraft to replace what was an inherited fleet of aging models. For the last 15 years, the NPAS has relied on the EC135 and EC145 models to perform all of its helicopter tasks, but the service is evolving and the need to combine rotary and drones is now a driving force for the NPAS. 

The new rotary-wing fleet will be expected to operate in conjunction with new BVLOS drones, following U.K. Home Office funding to develop this capability. How the latter will operate in support of the NPAS is still being worked out. “The bulk of what we do is search operations, for which the helicopter is the ideal platform for both large and small areas. Missing people, looking for potential suspects or vehicles, both static and on the move, is the bulk of our work,” said Watts. “One thing we do very little of is surveillance; it’s not our primary mission, and this is where drones can play their part. It’s about achieving a blended support model moving forward.” 

Watts doesn’t see the style of helicopter missions changing much in the future, it’s a case of how they will integrate alongside the new drone capabilities emerging, either by taking the lead in an operation or providing support via information that has been relayed from a larger drone system. Watts said the new aircraft would be of a similar category to the existing fleet, but with the latest generation of sensors, cameras and up-to-date mission systems.  

Source: verticalmag.com 

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Dubai Police Introduce Drone-in-a-Box for Faster Response

2022 11 ENews Image20Since 2016, Dubai has worked to utilize drones and other cutting edge technology throughout its infrastructure. Low altitude air corridors are being developed to facilitate drone delivery throughout Dubai. At the recent GITEX, Dubaiʼs globally renowned technology show, the Dubai Police introduced a new drone-in-a-box solution for faster response to accidents and requests for assistance. 

The system is from Airobotic, which was one of the first autonomous drone systems on the market, receiving the world’s first authorization for totally autonomous drone flight in 2017. Since then, the heavy-duty aircraft and dock have been implemented in military, port surveillance, mining and other industries.  

The ruggedized system is designed to operate from a central command post, launching the drone from the box and directing it to a specified location to provide aerial intelligence, or potentially, other tools according to payload. Dubai plans to locate the systems strategically throughout the city, in order to provide more immediate response to traffic accidents or other citizen requests for assistance as a “Drones as First Responder” application. The situational intelligence provided will allow police to respond more effectively to the situation, allowing them to provide the correct resources for the problem. When the mission is complete, the aircraft returns to the temperature-controlled dock for charging and storage. 

Source:  dronelife.com 

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Durham’s Air1 Tracks Offender to Safely Make Arrest

2022 11 ENews Image21 300pxA Durham Regional Police Air Support Unit helicopter tracked and ground officers arrested a suspected impaired driver during a chase last month. The 35-year-old man was charged with a number of impaired driving offences. According to police, the chase began when officers saw a silver Honda driving erratically. 

“Officers attempted to pull over the vehicle at a red light and the driver sped off and failed to stop," police said in a press release. "Officers terminated the pursuit due to public safety concerns." The Air Support Unit’s Air1 was in the area and located the fleeing driver as he headed eastbound. Officers followed at a safe distance and used stopsticks to puncture the vehicle's tires.  

After the suspect stopped the car, he began running along train tracks, around houses and into woods before he finally stopped and stood still. When officers approach him on foot, he held his hands in the air and was arrested without incident. 

Source: ca.news.yahoo.com 

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APSA Welcomes New Members

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APSA’s networking, education and training opportunities are unique and specialized for public safety aviation. Let your colleagues and friends know about APSA. Thank you for your membership and helping APSA continue to grow. We would like to welcome the following corporate and individual members who joined during October 2022: 

Individual Members:

APSA Individual

Stephen Aulisio, Texas Department of Public Safety | Laredo
Cliff Cabasag, Santa Barbara County (CA) Sheriff's Department | Aviation
Bryan Coates, U.S. COAST GUARD
Gregory Davis, Indianapolis (IN) Metropolitan Police Department | Aviation Section
Derek Dawson, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Bennett Dillon, Monroe County (IN) Sheriff's Office
Douglas Drummond, Gary (IN) Police Department | Aviation
Chris Fleischer, Allen County (IN) Office of Homeland Security
Delfin Flores, Gary (IN) Police Department | Aviation
Christopher Giardino, Hempstead Village (NY) Police Department
Samantha Grant, EMO RPAS Team
Brian Handy, New York City (NY) Department of Environmental Protection Police
Dan Hartman, Fort Wayne (IN) Police Department
Michael Hickman, Fort Wayne (IN) Police Department
Justin Hope, Orange County (FL) Sheriff’s Office
Steven Hus, Fort Wayne (IN) Police Department
Carolyn Huynh, New Mexico State Police | Aviation Unit
Brent Johnson, Hendricks County (IN) Sheriff's Office
Brian Lee, Atlantic County (NJ) Prosecutor’s Office
Leonard Ligon, Joint Improvised-Threat Defeat Organization (JIDO)
Michael Lovely, Norfolk (VA)Police Department
Ben Myers, Ontario (CA) Police Department | Air Support
Wes Peters, Nebraska State Patrol | Troop C
Chris Pickhardt, Minneapolis Police Department
Spencer Pittman, Metro Nashville (TN) Police Department | Aviation Unit
Dylan Powell, Hamilton County (IN) Emergency Management
Morgan Reeves Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
James Rentfro, Texas Department of Public Safety | Kerrville
Madison Reynoldson, Nebraska State Patrol | Troop C
Ronny Rivera, Dade City (FL) Police
Nathan Rose, Purdue University (LA)
Christopher Roussey, Baltimore County (MD) Police Department | Aviation Unit
Matthew Rowland, Fort Wayne (IN) Police Department
David Semenoff, UAVDocs
Ravi Singh, Nebraska State Patrol | Troop C
Michael Sistoni, El Segundo (CA) Police Department
Ted Smith, Ontario Provincial Police
Justin Soroka, Ohio Office of Attorney General | Bureau of Criminal Investigation
Aaron Tyler, Prince George County(MD) Bomb Squad
Jonathan Wall, Oklahoma City (OK) Police Department | Air Support Unit
Matthew Watson Purdue University (LA)
Michael White, Indiana Department of Homeland Security
Robert Williams, Tampa (FL) Police Department | Aviation Unit
Matt Woodings, Indianapolis (IN) Metropolitan Police Department | Aviation Section
James Wortham, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FL)

If you know of other public safety aviators or industry-related companies that could benefit by becoming APSA members, please share this link and help our association grow! 

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Lisa Wright
Editorial Director
airbeat@PublicSafetyAviation.org


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APSA's Monthly E-Newsletters are designed to help keep you informed on the very latest information in the airborne law enforcement industry. Our E-Newsletters are distributed by email, as an additional benefit to our membership. To join our mailing list, you must be a member. If you are not a member of APSA, sign up today!


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etarr@PublicSafetyAviation.org
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APSA E-Newsletter Staff  
Dan Schwarzbach, Editor dschwarzbach@PublicSafetyAviation.org
Lisa Wright, Editorial Director airbeat@PublicSafetyAviation.org
APSA, Publisher webmaster@PublicSafetyAviation.org
Emily Tarr, Sales Representative etarr@PublicSafetyAviation.org

This newsletter is published monthly by the Airborne Public Safety Association (APSA), a non-profit Delaware corporation. APSA is comprised of air crew and air support personnel in public safety and others who support, promote, and advance the safe and effective use of aircraft by governmental agencies in support of public safety operations.

© Copyright 2022 by the Airborne Public Safety Association. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this newsletter in whole or in part without written permission from the Editor is prohibited. Product and corporate names mentioned in this newsletter are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of the Airborne Public Safety Association (APSA), its Board of Directors, staff or membership; nor shall their publication imply endorsement on the part of APSA of any content or claims made therein. APSA disclaims all warranties, express or implied, and makes no judgment regarding the accuracy of posted information. In no event will APSA be liable to any party for any direct, indirect, special or consequential damages resulting from the publication or any subsequent public distribution thereof.

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Frederick, MD 21701
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