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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.

APSA Safety Stand-Tos: Spokane, Calgary & Natural Resources

APSA conducts Safety Stand-Tos on an on-request basis for members at their facility. The Spokane (WA) Regional Air Support Unit (SRASU) will host a Safety Stand-To next week on Wednesday, October 9. To enhance the attendee experience, SRASU if offering a Hoist Training Session on Tuesday afternoon, 1:00-5:00 pm, prior to the Safety Stand-To and Dunker Training through Fairchild Air Force Base on the following Thursday morning. The training on Tuesday and Wednesday takes place at the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Regional Training Center. The cost is complimentary; however, registration is required. You can find full details and register here.

The Calgary (AB) Police Service (CPS) will host our second in-person gathering this month on Thursday, October 17 at the Calgary Police Service Headquarters. Topics will include safety, suspect behavior/perimeter containment, K9 operations, TFO emergency procedures, and more. Additionally, like in Spokane, CPS is enhancing the attendee experience by conducting their own day of manned and unmanned aircraft training the day prior to the APSA event. You can find the full agendas for both days and register for one or both here.

And on Wednesday, October 23, APSA will conduct what has become our annual live, online Natural Resources Aviation Safety Stand-To. Like all of our Safety Stand-Tos, this event is open to both APSA members and non-members. In order to participate, however, you must register to receive the Zoom link. Find full information and register here.

To schedule a Safety Stand-To in your area, please contact APSA Training Program Manager Dan Knight at 208-818-6491 and/or APSA Executive Director/CEO Dan Schwarzbach at 713-213-4749.

New Tactical Flight Officer/Airborne Thermographer Certification Course

On December 9-11, 2024, APSA will offer a new 2.5-day course combining key elements of the Tactical Flight Officer (TFO) Course and the Airborne Thermographer Certification Course (ATCC) conducted annually during APSCON.

The Tactical Flight Officer portion of this course will be instructed by Clay Lacey and is designed to provide aircrew members the tactical skills and information necessary to safely and successfully support ground units engaged in a variety of law enforcement missions. This 16-hours of instruction will cover helicopter patrol tactics, air support to K-9 operations, suspect behavior & perimeter containment, and vehicle pursuit management. The 4-hour Airborne Thermographer Certification portion of this course is an in-depth study of airborne thermal imaging technology and theory presented by Brian Spillane, Teledyne FLIR, who is a Certified Thermographer Instructor. All combined, this course offers certification as an Airborne Thermographer to qualified students who attend all 20 hours of training and pass the written exam.

The training will take place in Orlando, FL at the Rosen Centre Hotel. There is a discounted room rate of $149 and you can book directly at 800-204-7234. The deadline to reserve a room at the host hotel is November 18, so don't delay. Click here to register.

FWC Aircrew Intercepts Boat Speeding Toward Swimmers

A charity swim event near the Florida Keys took a dangerous turn last month as personnel from the U.S. Coast Guard, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and a helicopter operated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) Aviation Unit spotted a fast-moving boat aimed directly at the swimmers. The helicopter crew is credited with swift, heroic flying in heading off the boat seconds before it reached the swimmers.

The annual Alligator Reef Lighthouse swim supports the local 150-year-old lighthouse, dedicated to the U.S. Navy schooner USS Alligator, which ran aground and sank in 1822 off the coast nearby. Close to 500 swimmers and kayakers participated in the 8-mile, open-ocean benefit swim this year on Sept. 7.

As the participants made their way, authorities noticed a vessel approaching the line of swimmers at high speed and attempted to head it off. But the boat, piloted by 55-year-old Thomas Reichert of Naples, FL did not respond to warnings. Race organizer Rob Dixon said, “They tried and tried to get the guy to stop. It was pretty scary stuff,” adding that he was in the water at the time.

FWC Lieutenant/Pilot Chris Simons in a statement released to the media on Sept. 11, said he was in the air with Tactical Flight Officer David Moss and saw a boat heading straight for the swimmers and started signaling for them to stop. Moss turned on the siren and used the PA system to instruct the vessel to stop, but it continued on plane. “I pulled my helicopter alongside the boat and there was still no response. At that point, the captain was maybe 15 to 20 yards away from the swimmers and I knew I had to do something,” Simons said. “I pulled my helicopter right in front of the boat to block him from hitting any swimmers or kayakers. The boat finally stopped, and the other law enforcement vessels were able to make contact with the captain.”

Simons added he’s grateful that he was able to get the boat to stop. “A lot of people could have been hurt and I’m thankful we were in the right place at the right time to prevent that,” he said. Watch a short video with TFO Moss here.

Reichert was subsequently found to be operating the boat under the influence. He was jailed and will face charges.

Source: avweb.com and keysweekly.com

Justice Department Awards $500,000 for Aircraft Upgrade

The Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance has awarded $500,000 to the East Baton Rouge (LA) Sheriff’s Office to acquire a new digital high-definition camera system for the Air Support Unit's helicopter.

The purpose is to improve the quality of aerial surveillance, search and rescue operations, criminal investigations, apprehensions and other activities which require the use of this important tool. The service area for this project is the City of Baton Rouge/Parish of East Baton Rouge and the surrounding eight parishes that encompass the Baton Rouge Metropolitan area.

Additionally, the new system will allow for improved safety for personnel, as the improved resolution will ensure that officers can more easily spot potential dangers and take appropriate action.

Source: U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Louisiana

WAPOL Integrates “Drone in a Box” in Aerial Toolkit

The Western Australia Police Force (WAPOL) is expanding its use of drone technology for its first responder program. Last month, Police Minister Paul Papalia announced that WAPOL had begun testing its ‘Drone in a Box’ technology at Yanchep Police Station to make Western Australia safer for everyone.

WAPOL contracted with Sphere Drones to provide the drone-in-a-box systems. Stored in a portable dock, this kind of drone can be launched remotely and get to an emergency first. It can live stream to officers’ mobile phones, along with other agencies at the State Operations Command Centre (SOCC).

The drones, along with compatible drone docking stations, will be used in a wide range of airborne law enforcement operations. The Remotely Piloted Aircraft systems are designed to help improve the police force’s effectiveness in tasks ranging from monitoring remote areas to emergency response.

“Having a bird’s-eye view of a situation in real time could give police important intel they otherwise wouldn’t have had, allowing officers to make informed decisions on the ground,” Papalia said. So far it has completed 80 flights, including successful use during simulated public safety scenarios such as missing person searches and the tracking of wanted vehicles.

By integrating advanced drone technology into their toolkit, WAPOL aims to further enhance public safety, especially in hard-to-reach areas.

Source: psnews.com.au

This Month’s Webinar: Lessons from Maintenance-Related Helicopter Accidents

APSA offers a monthly Webinar Series as part of our education and training program. Recognizing the need to provide training to those members who may not be able to travel to in-person APSA events, these webinars continue the series of live, online training originally brought about by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Scheduled for Thursdays, 1:00-2:30 pm Eastern, the upcoming schedule and topics in this series are:

• October 17: Lessons Learned from Maintenance-Related Helicopter Accidents, instructed by Jeff Guzzetti, President, Guzzetti Aviation.

• November 21: Navigating the Skies: Weather Impacts, Limited Data Forecasting, and Safety in Manned & Unmanned Aerial Systems for Search & Rescue Operations, instructed by SSGT Phillip Turney, United States Air Force.

• December 19: Starting a Drone as First Responder Program, instructed by Anthony DeMolina, Tactical Drone Concepts.

These webinars are offered free of charge to APSA members, and registration is open. To register, simply complete the registration form.

Interested in sponsoring a webinar and addressing the participants? Contact Benay Osborne by email or call her at 301-631-2406 for details.

Teens Charged with Attempted Murder After Shooting at Officer and Helicopter

Two teenagers face attempted murder charges after an undercover officer and a Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) Aviation Unit helicopter aircrew were shot at while following a vehicle last month.

The incident happened when an undercover officer in an unmarked vehicle was at an apartment complex doing surveillance for another case when a red Dodge Charger pulled into the complex and someone in the vehicle began firing shots into the air before leaving the complex.

The officer began following the vehicle. Someone in the Dodge began firing at the undercover officer, striking the car twice, police said. Video footage from the helicopter showed the Dodge strike another vehicle at an intersection. The Dodge spun out and four teenagers got out of the car. At least one of the teens in the car then fired at the MNPD helicopter following them, police said. The helicopter was not hit by gunfire. The teens all fled into a wooded area and were taken into custody about an hour later. Two guns were later recovered near a tree.

The 16-year-old driver was charged with three counts of attempted murder and a 15-year-old passenger was charged with one count of attempted murder. The two teens in the backseat, ages 13 and 14, were not charged.

Source: tennessean.com

Portland Approves the Continued Use of Police Drones

The Portland (OR) Police Bureau’s pilot project for small Unmanned Aircraft System is ending, but the program was approved last month to continue with expanded use cases that align with state law.

The Portland City Council unanimously approved PPB’s use of existing funding to expand the bureau’s drone program. The vote came after an August 28, 2024 presentation by the supervisor of the PPB sUAS program, Sergeant Jim DeFrain. His presentation included a summary of the pilot project, lessons learned, progress made, and recommendations for expansion of the program. The presentation also included example videos of effective law enforcement use of drones. You can view the eight-minute presentation here.

“I am grateful to the City Council members for their support of this program to bring us in line with state law and our law enforcement partners,” said Chief Bob Day. “The new policy will increase efficiency, and allow us to resolve incidents more quickly, safer, with less risk to the public and less risk the officers. I want to recognize that anytime we step into the space of technology and law enforcement that there be a high degree of oversight and accountability. I pledge that we will continue to be transparent with how we are deploying this equipment by continuing to update the drone dashboard on our website.”

During the pilot, drones were utilized by two units within the bureau’s Specialized Resources Division (SRD): Traffic Division and the Metro Explosive Disposal Unit. Other members within SRD were trained as detached pilots under the supervision of those units during the pilot project.

During the pilot phase of the project, PPB established their drone dashboard which includes an interactive data visualization designed for ease of use and transparency. The interactivity allows users to filter the information based on the questions they are hoping to answer. The dashboard will continue to be updated and is available here.

Source: portlandoregon.gov

Helicopter Rescue by Contra Costa Sheriff's Office Saves Windsurfer

During a routine patrol near Point Isabel Regional Shoreline, the Contra Costa (CA) Sheriff's Office Air Support Unit’s STARR helicopter aircrew played a pivotal role in a recent water rescue. A windsurfer found himself in peril approximately 150 yards from the shoreline, struggling amidst the churn of waves and unrelenting wind. Clinging to his surfboard, the surfer managed to reach the relative safety of a levee, though the elements thwarted his attempts to climb ashore.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff's Office, the helicopter crew operating STARR1 spotted the individual during their coastal watch. Demonstrating precision and timing, a deputy sheriff was deployed from the helicopter to the nearby location. Once on scene, the deputy sheriff aided the windsurfer, helping him onto the solid ground of the levee and ensuring that his surfboard was also recovered.

The Sheriff's Office detailed that the windsurfer was evaluated following the rescue and declined further assistance, having escaped the ordeal largely unharmed.

Source: Contra Costa Sheriff's Office

Self-Paced RPIC Hybrid Course: Final One for 2024

Let us help you expand your UAS knowledge. APSA offers a Remote Pilot-in-Command (RPIC) Course in a hybrid format. This course consists of an approximately 16-hour online, self-paced portion followed by a 4-hour live online review, Q&A and test preparation session. The course is intended for public safety personnel, both sworn and non-sworn, who are interested in obtaining their FAA Remote Pilot Certificate under FAR PART 107.

The next course is scheduled for December 9-January 6, 2025. The registration deadline is November 25 and the cost is $250. The registration fee includes a one-year APSA membership. Don’t wait - register today!

Add to Calendar: Join APSA’s Online Meeting Groups

APSA conducts regularly scheduled online meetings for safety officers, maintenance technicians, SAR, natural resource, 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 registration@publicsafetyaviation.org.

The schedule for upcoming APSA online meetings is as follows:

Maintenance: Wednesday, October 16, 2024 from 1:00-2:00 pm EDT (1700 UTC)
SAR: Wednesday, October 30, 2024 from 1:00-2:00 pm EDT (1700 UTC)
UAS: Wednesday, November 6, 2024 from 1:00-2:00 pm EST (1800 UTC)
Safety Officers: Wednesday, November 20, 2024 from 1:00-2:00 pm EST (1800 UTC)
Natural Resources: Wednesday, December 18, 2024 from 1:00-2:00 pm EST (1800 UTC)

Visit this link for the schedule of future online meetings.

Indianapolis Street Takeovers Result in Multiple Arrests

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) is taking a zero-tolerance stance against reckless driving and street takeovers after police saw a significant rise in illegal activity last month.

IMPD recently announced it would punish anyone who participated in reckless driving, street takeovers, blocking traffic, or endangering others, with the threat of arrest, hefty fines and vehicle impoundment. Many didn't listen, even as an Indiana State Police helicopter flew over Indianapolis spotlighting different takeover events.

Police made good on their promise, and over one weekend, seven people were arrested, more than 40 tickets given and four vehicles were towed. Police also seized two firearms. In one situation, police tracked a person and towed their vehicle outside of the front of their home.

IMPD and the Indiana State Police responded to six different illegal car events throughout the city the week before and received threats from an account associated with the street takeovers on social media. "Let me be clear — we will not tolerate any behavior that puts officer safety or the safety of our community at risk. We will continue to investigate these incidents thoroughly and hold those responsible accountable for their actions,” said Chief Chris Bailey in a social media post.

On Sept. 18, the Marion County Prosecutor's Office announced criminal recklessness and resisting law enforcement charges against nine people in connection with multiple street takeovers. With the current policies in place, the city and police are limited in how they can punish individuals participating in illegal street takeover events. However, that soon may change, as a new proposal to the Indianapolis City County Council is expected to impose a penalty on anyone who plans, participates in, or attends "an illegal street racing, motorcycle stunting or reckless driving exhibition" if the ordinance passes.

The proposal, No. 314, will give officials the ability to confiscate and impound cars and motorcycles used for illegal street takeovers or racing. The cars involved could be impounded for at least 30 days or through the end of a court case on the matter. The proposal also imposes penalties for participants, organizers or promoters of these events with fines of up to $250. Spectators also could be fined up to $100.

"We all have a role to play to keep our streets and neighborhoods safe — but the women and men of IMPD are on the frontlines every day, putting their safety on the line to protect all of ours. The violence we have seen over recent weekends toward these public servants is unacceptable and will not be tolerated," Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said in a statement promising to sign the ordinance when it reaches his desk.

Source: indystar.com

Federal Grant to Pay for Omaha Police Aircraft

The Omaha City Council approved a multi-million dollar federal grant from the U.S. Department of Justice last month to upgrade aircraft and bomb squad equipment. Of the $4 million grant, $3.7 million will go toward a new helicopter armed with a searchlight and infrared system, bringing the Omaha (NE) Police Department Air Support Unit fleet to three.

"It takes pressure off of having just one aircraft that we used to patrol all the time," Deputy Chief Steve Cerveny said. "It's really beneficial because it allows officers to back off a little bit in a cruiser, knowing that the helicopter, our eyes in the sky, can monitor from a much safer distance."

Since 2018, OPD says helicopter flight hours have increased by 33.8%. They have also helped stop more pursuits and assisted other metro police departments. ABLE-1 first went into service in the 1990s and is often first to the scene of a crime while allowing officers to respond to other calls.

Source: ketv.com

UK Drone Operator Fined and Equipment Seized

A drone pilot flew his drone at altitudes over 12,000 feet on numerous occasions in the Boston, England area that caused flights by the Royal Air Force, National Police Air Service, and an air ambulance to divert to deconflict the airspace.

Lincolnshire Police said the drone pilot displayed “blatant disregard” for the rules governing unmanned aircraft. The investigation revealed that between March 1 and June 28, 2024, the man had flown his first-person view drone at heights of up to 12,178 feet on 26 occasions in and around the area.

As a result, the pilot pleaded guilty in the Boston Magistrate Court and was fined. In addition, his drone was ordered to be destroyed. Police in Lincolnshire stated the man’s actions created a high risk to the safety of other pilots and residents on the ground.

As in the U.S., regulations by Britain’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) state that drones must remain within visual contact by the pilot to prevent collisions with structures or other aircraft, and also are limited to a maximum altitude of 400 feet.

Lincolnshire Police’s Chief Drone Pilot and Safety Manager Kev Taylor said, “Drones have so many great uses, but they need to be flown responsibly and legally. The regulations are there to ensure drones are operated safely without causing a risk to the public and airspace users.”

Source: www.caa.co.uk and aero-news.net

Drone Helps Wisconsin Police Find Lost Child in 100-acre Cornfield

A missing toddler was found in the middle of a 100-acre cornfield thanks to the use of a thermal imaging drone from the Fond du Lac Police Department. Fond du Lac County (WI) Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to reports of a lost 3-year-old boy who had been missing for a few hours. After confirming the toddler was not inside the barns or any other buildings on the farm, the Sheriff’s Office requested the services of a drone operator from the City of Fond du Lac Police Department to scan the fields, authorities said.

The drone, equipped with thermal cameras, located a heat spot in the middle of the cornfield around 9:30 p.m., the Sheriff’s Office said. Authorities located and carried the uninjured child out and reunited him with his parents. He was found half a mile from his home.

“We’re right here, buddy,” first responders can be heard telling the boy in body camera footage. ”You’re safe now,” they said. “We’re going to go back and we’re going to find your mom, okay?” Watch here.

“He said he’d been chasing a cat into the cornfield,” Lt. Alex Volm of the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office said. “A harmless thing, you know, but it could have turned out really bad had we not had the opportunity to use our tools and collaborate with our law enforcement partners,” he said.

Source: Police1

CHP Aircrew Helps Bust Illegal Sideshows in Sacramento

California Highway Patrol Air Operations airplane, Air-21, helped North Sacramento CHP and the Sacramento Police Department with numerous sideshows that were happening throughout Sacramento County on Sept 2. Using the aircraft's camera system, the Air-21 aircrew monitored multiple vehicles as they actively participated in the sideshows.

The aircrew directed ground units who eventually stopped and cited the participants. Several vehicles were impounded for 30 days due to their participation in the illegal activity.

Sideshows are dangerous. They involve reckless driving in an uncontrolled environment. These activities often lead to accidents and have resulted in serious injury and death of participants, spectators and bystanders, the agency said. Drivers can easily lose control causing a risk of death to themselves and others. The illegal activity also disrupts public safety, fosters other illegal activities and puts a strain on law enforcement.

Source: kmph.com

Coalition of Aviation Trade Organizations Oppose Limit on Vet’s Aviation Training Benefits

A coalition of 13 aviation trade organizations, including the Airborne Public Safety Association, sent a letter to the leaders of the U.S. House of Representatives last month asking that lawmakers remove caps on veterans’ aviation education benefits from current proposed legislation. According to the letter, House Bill H.R. 7323 includes a lifetime cap on Post-9/11 GI Bill flight benefits of $115,749 starting with the 2025-26 academic year.

Citing the fact that veterans are among the best qualified to help stem the current pilot shortage, the groups wrote: “While this is an increase from the $108,480 cap initially proposed, it still represents a substantial limitation on the funds veterans can access for flight training. The high cost of civilian flight training programs, due to their complexity and specialized nature, cannot be adequately covered under these restrictions. As a result, veterans would likely be forced to either abandon their flight training or take on significant personal debt to cover the shortfall.” The letter also points out that other degree programs are not subject to limitations, saying “Veterans should have the freedom to pursue the career of their choice, including those in the aviation sector, without facing arbitrary financial limitations.”

Source: avweb.com

Foundation Grants Police Department Funds to Expand Drone Unit

The Carolina Beach (NC) Police Department has received over $10,000 in grants to expand its Drone Unit and to host a health and wellness seminar, according to a release from the Carolina Beach Police Foundation (CBPF).

This grant will be used to update the department’s drone capabilities, which will help ensure officer safety and improve beach rescue operations. Additionally, the grant will support an officer health and wellness program that aims to address the challenges faced by law enforcement professionals and provide proactive strategies to build resilience and self-care.

Since its inception, the Carolina Beach Police Foundation has worked tirelessly to support its police department. CBPD Chief Vic Ward said the opportunity to apply for grant funding for critical items not normally included in its budget allows the department to keep pace with the rapidly-evolving technology and critical skills, as well as focusing on officer wellness, training and equipment.

Source: wect.com

Texas Police Department to Introduce Autonomous Drone Pilot Program

The Bee Cave Police Department announced last month that it will implement a fully automated drone system. Police Chief Brian Jones said they will be the first law enforcement agency in Texas to integrate this level of technology into their operations. The department offered a demonstration of their drone system, known as AV8, last month.

In partnership with Eve Vehicles Corporation, the department will utilize a network of three autonomous drones to enhance first responder capabilities. The system, developed by a startup based at the University of Texas J.J. Pickle Research Campus, is set to be the first of its kind in the United States using entirely American-made components.

Police Chief Brian Jones said the project will significantly improve officer safety and situational awareness. "If there's a big call, or if there's a collision or something like that, the drone can launch and go to the scene and give us a bird's-eye view," Jones said. "We can marshal appropriate resources or dial back based on the severity of the issue."

The drones, capable of speeds up to 60 mph, can reach any location within the city in about a minute. They will be stationed at three different sites throughout Bee Cave and can be dispatched automatically by officers or dispatchers. A key feature of the system is its ability to maintain continuous coverage. When one drone's battery runs low, it signals another to take its place while it returns to its charging station.

Engineers are currently conducting tests and making final adjustments to the software and camera systems and plans to launch the Bee Cave AV8 program this month.

Source: cbsaustin.com

El Cajon Police Use Drones to Tackle Retail Theft

While the El Cajon (CA) Police Department have used drones for years, the agency recently launched its new Drone as First Responder program, helping tackle the rising problem of retail theft, according to Police Chief Mike Moulton.

One of the key advantages in using drones is that while it may take minutes for an officer to get to the scene of a crime, police can dispatch a drone in a matter of seconds, saving critical time and helping to catch criminals who may otherwise have gotten away. "We're essentially using them just like police officers," said Chief Moulton.

Drones are a crime-fighting tool. Moulton said, “Case in point: a suspect who allegedly stole hundreds of dollars worth of merchandise from a local Target store ran away. That case likely would not have been solved. That person probably would have gotten away without the drone."

Once they got the call, officers from the ECPD's Drone Unit immediately dispatched a drone to the area, which quickly located the suspect from its aerial perch, remotely feeding video back to the ground. "Because we had a drone up, we were able to find the suspect and track him until there was a police officer in the field who was clear, and then that's how we caught that individual," Moulton said.

"From my perspective, as a member of society, not as a police officer, not as a police chief, we are using these technologies for good, we're using these technologies to enhance public safety," he said. Moulton calls these drones a force multiplier that promises to play an even larger role in tackling crime moving forward.

Source: cbs8.com

Successful Helicopter Rescue in Chattahoochee National Forest

A 66-year-old woman was rescued by a Georgia Department of Natural Resources Aviation helicopter after she became injured. Game wardens were contacted around 1 p.m. one day last month in reference to a female who had sustained an ankle injury at Panther Creek Falls in Habersham County, which is located in a remote area of the Chattahoochee National Forest.

DNR Aviation was requested. Habersham EMS and Rabun EMA teams hiked in to the woman and administered fluids and pain medication. Lt. Ryan Buller, Cpl. Kalem Burns, and GW Matt Kiracofe with DNR Aviation performed a short haul extraction from Panther Creek Falls to EMS personnel for hospital transport.

Source: wsbtv.com

Various Departments Strengthen Public Safety with Advanced Drones

The Mascoutah (IL) Public Safety Department has recently upgraded its emergency response capabilities with the acquisition of two DJI drones. These drones will play a crucial role in enhancing the safety and efficiency of various city operations, benefiting not only the Mascoutah Police Department but also the city's fire and utility services.

The drone program was conceived as a collaborative effort across several city departments. Lead EMS Supervisor Jeremy Gottschammer explained that the police department would use the drones for investigations, crime scene photography, and accident reconstruction. Meanwhile, the fire department will deploy the drones for tasks like finding missing persons and surveying fire scenes. Additionally, the utility department plans to use the drones for inspecting power lines, offering a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional methods.

The cost of these drones, while significant, was offset by a grant from the Hero Fund, which covered half the expense. “The program started about ten months ago,” said Gottschammer. “We’ve already trained two pilots, with more personnel from various departments currently in training.”

The drones have already been put to practical use in public events, such as the city’s recent homecoming. Gottschammer described how the Matrice M30 was used for crowd monitoring and public safety, providing aerial surveillance throughout the event. “I logged about 14 hours of flight time over the weekend,” he noted. The drone’s thermal imaging capabilities also proved invaluable in identifying potential issues in crowded areas, enhancing the department’s ability to protect the public.

As the drone program continues to evolve, the city plans to expand its fleet and train additional personnel across various departments. A public demonstration was held on National Night Out on October 1, where residents had the opportunity to see the drones in action and learn more about their applications.

Source: heraldpubs.com

Agency in China Acquires New H175 Helicopter for Public Safety

Airbus Helicopters delivered the first H175 helicopter to the Aviation Unit of the Guangzhou Public Security Bureau (GZP) in China last month. The new helicopter will perform public service missions and support emergency management. The H175 will join GZP’s fleet, which includes two H145 helicopters that were delivered in 2016 and 2019, respectively, and have accumulated a total of 3,200 flight hours.

“The H175, with its outstanding performance and capabilities, will enhance our efficiency and provide us with an essential tool to fulfill our diverse mission portfolio,” said ZHANG Rui, Vice Mayor of Guangzhou and Secretary of the Party Committee of Guangzhou Public Security Bureau. “We look forward to continuing to work together with Airbus to jointly promote the development of the aviation industry in Guangzhou.”

In service since 2015, Airbus' H175 belongs to the super-medium class of helicopters, combining long-range and payload with smooth flight qualities, making it the optimal solution for a wide range of onshore and offshore mission profiles, including disaster relief, search and rescue and other public services.

Source: airbus.com/en/newsroom

Agency Sees Great Success with Drone Program

The Hawthorne (CA) Police Department started using drones as a first response to calls earlier this year, and the department is seeing an improvement in safety and efficiency.

Sergeant Vu helps oversee the drones and says the drones are a part of the evolution of law enforcement. “We will be doing a disservice to ourselves [and] the community if we don’t utilize the technology that’s out there for making ourselves better, and keeping the community safe,” Vu said.

The drones can go as high as 150 feet into the air and travel up to 40 miles per hour. While the unmanned aircraft won’t be able to help solve crimes, it is helping with efficiency and safety for when officers are responding to calls. “It gets us to an incident faster,” Vu said. “When we are on scene, it gives us a different perspective that a ground officer can’t see.”

Sergeant Vu adds that it’s necessary for law enforcement to keep up with new tools to help keep communities safe. “It does feel good to the use the latest and greatest for the greater good,” he said.

Source: spectrumnews1.com

Man Blames Cats for Pointing Laser at Police Helicopter

A man who told officers he was using the laser to help “wrangle” his cats is under investigation for shining a laser at an Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) Air Section helicopter.

Police and troopers working special patrols one evening reported that someone in the area was pointing a laser at the OSHP helicopter. The aircrew managed to track the laser to a home and told police it was being used on the back porch. When officers arrived, they found the man on the porch and a hand-held laser near where the man was standing.

When the man was asked why he was pointing his laser at the helicopter, he told police he was trying to wrangle in his cats from the backyard. A trooper on the scene took the laser pending further investigation. The man is under investigation for interfering with the operation of an aircraft with a laser, which is a second-degree felony.

Source: wkbn.com

Woman Tries to Contact Aliens by Pointing Laser at Aircraft

Last month, a judge in the Netherlands convicted a 54-year-old woman accused of temporarily blinding the pilots of a Dutch National Police helicopter when she aimed a laser pointer at them. The woman told the court she believed she was trying to communicate with an alien spacecraft at the time. The judge presiding over the case sentenced the woman to 150 hours of community service and a suspended prison sentence of one month.

The incident happened on the evening of March 17 when air support was dispatched to assist in the hunt for suspects involved in a reported home invasion. A police spokesperson said the aircrew quickly identified the location of the laser pointer and ground officers were able to apprehend the woman as well as arrest the three suspected burglars.

The woman told the court that she saw lights in the sky and wanted to make contact and did not consider the possibility that the lights originated from something other than aliens in an unidentified flying object. It did not occur to her that the flashing lights were generated by a helicopter, airplane, or other identifiable aircraft.

The prosecutor said the woman’s defense was no excuse for the danger she caused. “The file shows that the suspect shined the lights at the helicopter several times for seven minutes. That is extremely dangerous,” the prosecutor said. “The pilots in the helicopter had to turn their heads away and could not view the flight instruments. That is dangerous in the complete darkness. Pilots can become blinded and disoriented and can suffer eye damage.”

Source: nltimes.nl

Contact Us: Share Your Story with Members in Air Beat

Most 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 editorial team’s job to make you look good, so don’t worry if you’re not a writer.) Editorial topics include safety, equipment/training, maintenance, tactics and more. Our editorial team is always looking for public safety agencies that want to highlight their aviation unit or members who want to share their knowledge, so please reach out.

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 this year. Email Shea Gibbs at sgibbs@publicsafetyaviation.org for information.

APSA Welcomes New Members

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 individual members who joined during September 2024:

Individual Members:
Brandon Blake, Marysville (WA) Police Department
Benjamin Blake, Marysville (WA) Police Department
Frederic Charles, Recon Five Media LLC
Brent Colbert, Muscogee Creek Nation Lighthorse
William Condon, Baltimore County Police Department
Kristen Ehr, Marysville (WA) Police Department
Jon Flaherty, Marysville (WA) Police Department
Jodie Granley, Edmonton (AB) Police Service | Flight Operations Unit
James King, Oregon State Police
Christina LoRusso, Lorusso Forensics
Perry Maraglio, Nassau County (NY) Police Department
Clarke Paterson, Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Mike Ramsay, Toronto Police Service
John Rasmussen, Miami-Dade Police Dept. (Retired)
Dan Rogers, Calgary Police Service
Jonathan Simmons, South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division (SCSLED) | Headquarters
Michael Sloan, South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division (SCSLED) | Headquarters
Jay Small, Calgary Police Service | North Service Centre
Kathrine Stewart, Royal Canadian Mounted Police | Edmonton Air Services
Edwin van Halst, Dutch Police
Lex Warbis, Marysville (WA) Police Department
Travis Wiens, Winnipeg Police Service | Flight Operations Unit
Justin Wocel, Nassau County (NY) Police Department | Aviation Unit
Michael Yaremy, Vancouver Police
Pedro Ybarra, SPAN CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING INC.


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!

Get Your Organization's News Online

Send your press releases, company logos and photos to:

Lisa Wright
Editorial Director
airbeat@PublicSafetyAviation.org

Join Our Mailing List

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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For rates and availability, contact:

Emily Tarr
Sales Representative
(205) 563-9313 office
etarr@PublicSafetyAviation.org
http://www.publicsafetyaviation.org

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This newsletter is published monthly by the Airborne Public Safety Association (APSA), a public benefit, non-profit California 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.

(c) Copyright 2024 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 ids 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.

Airborne Public Safety Association, Inc.
50 Carroll Creek Way
Suite 260
Frederick, MD 21701
Phone (301) 631-2406
Fax (301) 631-2466

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