| Welcome!
APSA's E-Newsletter is designed to help keep you informed on the very latest information in the airborne law enforcement industry. The E-Newsletter may also be read online here at our website. APSA Honors Member Excellence at Annual Awards Banquet
APSA's Robert L. Cormier Award recognizes an individual whose personal efforts or actions have perpetuated the professionalism and advancement of airborne law enforcement in public service. This year's winner is Kevin P. Means of the San Diego (CA) Police Department Air Support Unit. Means began his career in law enforcement in 1980, and in 1992, was assigned to the aviation unit as pilot and TFO. Since then, he has played a crucial role in the development of their Unit Safety Committee, the development of NVG equipment used in helicopter patrols, and airborne thermal imaging tactical training. As an APSA member since 1992, he has served as Western Region Director as well as the Association's President. Means also was an integral part in the development of the Airborne Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission (APSAC), serving as both their President and Vice President. Under Kevin's leadership, the APSAC worked closely with the aviation insurance industry, legal counsel and APSA Board of Directors to solidify the standards and develop a credible, viable accreditation process. The Capt. "Gus" Crawford Memorial Air Crew of the Year Award went to pilot Nick Granelli and tactical flight officer Ben Muller of the Texas Department of Public Safety Aircraft Section. The duo was part of a successful 14-hour search and rescue effort of a two-year-old boy who had gotten lost in rugged terrain last spring. Their flying efforts and professionalism epitomize APSA's motto to serve and protect. The APSA Safety Award is given to an individual who has demonstrated a longstanding and continuing commitment to safety in their aviation unit. This year's recipient is Lt. Tristan Atkins of the Washington State Patrol (WSP), a 23-year veteran and commander of WSP's Aviation Support Unit. During his tenure, Atkins has demonstrated superior leadership concerning aviation safety and accident prevention as well as pioneering new programs devoted to safety. Greg Solar of the Calgary Police Service Air Support Unit in Canada received this year's APSA Technical Specialist of the Year Award. Solar is the department's Chief Engineer. His actions of conducting a borescope inspection on a replacement engine were performed in an extraordinary manner, above and beyond what is normally expected. He found a tube fracture, and the engine was immediately removed from service, possibly avoiding a catastrophic engine failure. His dedication and attention to detail earned him this award. APSA also provided 13 scholarships, totaling $25,000. The September-October 2009 issue of Air Beat will contain a full listing of scholarship recipients, as well as highlights from the annual conference. Source: APSA
BJS Releases Special Report on Airborne Law Enforcement
This report is a major milestone for airborne law enforcement. With a 98% response rate, it is the most comprehensive report on our industry ever. While it focuses on agencies with 100 officers or more, what are referred to in the report as large agencies, the data is a windfall for our industry. The report contains definitive information on subjects like flight hours flown, type of missions flown, fleet composition and age, methods of aircraft acquisition and pilot requirements. Based on this report, in 2007 alone, aviation units spent an estimated $300 million on purchases related to aircraft acquisition and operations. Be sure to read your September-October 2009 issue of APSA's Air Beat Magazine for more findings. You can download the complete report atwww.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/abstract/aullea07.htm. Source: www.generalaviationnews.com
American Eurocopter Celebrates 40 Years
Source: American Eurocopter
Phoenix Police Buy Pilatus Aircraft
The Pilatus will join the department's fleet of eight helicopters and will replace several smaller fixed-wing aircraft that had been operated for decades. Phoenix Police Department plans to take delivery of the aircraft by September and have it fully operational in 2010. Source: http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com
Suffolk Police Puts Replacement Helicopter In Service
The new helicopter has high-definition daylight and thermal imaging camera systems and Automatic Number Plate Recognition, while navigation is aided by moving map technology, which can be aligned to the camera system and enables the crew to accurately identify specific locations. Suffolk Police Chief Constable Simon Ash said, “The helicopter plays a crucial role in helping to make Suffolk an even safer place to live, work and visit. The success of the previous helicopter speaks volumes and the work of the unit has a huge impact on how we carry out a wide range of operational work, from searching for offenders and missing people to recovering property.” Suffolk police had to buy a new helicopter due to a change in aviation laws. The old helicopter, a Eurocopter EC 135T1, is illegal to fly from 2010 due to news laws, which forbid the use of a single pilot aircraft flying at night without a full autopilot. Source: www.edp24.co.uk
Lockheed Martin To Buy Gyrocam Systems
Gyrocam, a privately owned company based in Sarasota, FL, with personnel in Washington, D.C., Iraq and Afghanistan, provides greater situational awareness in virtually all conditions with real-time reconnaissance, and threat identification and tracking from safe distances. The acquisition enhances Lockheed Martin's ability to address U.S. government customers' emphasis on ISR capabilities and meet urgent war fighter needs, said Robert Stevens, Lockheed Martin's Chairman, President and CEO. The transaction is subject to various approvals and is expected to close the third quarter of 2009. Source: washingtontechnology.com
Spokane Crew Utilizes Thermal Imaging Technology
Deputies rushed to the scene but couldn't find her. The county's Air One helicopter had just finished its nightly patrol, and its crew refueled and headed back into the sky to assist. Soon, they saw the outline of a human form. The woman was unconscious with shallow breathing, but was expected to recover after being taken to a hospital. In another situation later in the month, police were able to use the helicopter's infrared camera after a suspect crashed a car and took off running. Officers watched him through the camera as he jumped over a fence and ran towards a house. The aircrew told deputies the suspects every move, which made it easier to make the arrest. The helicopter was paid for with grants and is flown by several volunteer pilots. Source: www.seattlepi.com
Pilot Earns Outstanding Service Award
Johnston began his career with the FWC in 1979 and has been an airborne law enforcement pilot since 1987. During that time, he has flown almost 9,000 accident-free hours. Captain Kevin Vislocky said Johnston is the epitome of the Aviation Division's motto: "Patrol. Protect. Preserve." "Joe had more than 560 arrests, citations and warnings in 2008, including cases of trespass, night hunting, taking deer from public roads, possession of illegally killed deer, dozens of fishing and boating-related violations, littering, drug possession and indecent exposure," says Capt. Kevin Vislocky. This isn't Johnston's first recognition for his flying efforts. In 2006, APSA awarded him with the Captain "Gus" Crawford Memorial Aircrew of the Year Award. Vislocky believes the recognition is deserved. "Joe is a model law enforcement officer. Year after year, he provides consistently exceptional work performance while always displaying a positive, can-do attitude, a professional appearance and an inspirational work ethic," he said. "His efforts are the result not of just one single incident, but of day-in and day-out efforts." Capt. Vislocky presented the award to Johnston last month. "I am very honored to receive this recognition from such a large group of fellow officers. I'm thankful to have been blessed with so many years in law enforcement," Johnston said. "I also thank God for guidance and protection, and for my supportive and patient family." Source: www.firstcoastnews.com
Agencies Join in Drug Raid
Acting on intelligence developed by the sheriff's office Narcotics Division, officers were able to locate the plants, some over eight feet tall. No arrests were made at the scene; however, investigators are actively tracking the ownership of the property and the growers. Over the past year, deputies have found several marijuana-growing operations in secluded parts of their county. All of the farms were located in similar areas with heavy overgrowth to provide cover from passing motorists and overhead observation. Deputies and agents seized approximately 1,000 marijuana plants in last month's raid with a street value of approximately $550,000. Source: www.corsicanadailysun.com
Oldie, But Goodie: Helicopter Remains in Operation
During the spring and summer months, residents can often see the choppers flying low as part of the office's ongoing marijuana eradication program. Thousands of illegal plants worth millions of dollars has been spotted from the sky and taken off the street over the years. Walton County Deputy TFO April Hantzis said, "Besides locating illegal drug operations, the helicopter fulfills vital roles. It's been credited with saving the lives of Alzheimer's and dementia patients who may have wandered away from their family's home, or a health care facility. The helicopter has also proven integral in water rescue. Its pilots have been able to locate swimmers and boaters in distress during high seas and a strong undertow." Walton County Sheriff Michael A. Adkinson Jr. said last month, “The helicopter is not a new tool, but remains a very effective one.” In addition to law enforcement and search and rescue, it can serve an important role during a declared emergency. During a hurricane evacuation, it can monitor the traffic and heavily congested escape routes. Source: www.panhandleparade.com
Japanese Police Acquire New Helicopter
The NPA has employed Sikorsky helicopters since 1996, and today, the agency's fleet includes two S-76B helicopters. These perform missions including search and rescue, transportation, utility and a variety of special requirements for the NPA. The S-92 helicopter is the first helicopter in its class certified by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration to the most rigorous standards, without any exceptions or waivers. The S-92 helicopter also is certified by the European Aviation Safety Agency to its very stringent safety standards. Source: Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.
Ohio Agency Puts Aircraft Up For Sale The helicopter that has served the Allen County (OH) Sheriff's Office since it was purchased in 1993 isn't likely to ever take to the skies for the county again. The Sheriff's Office initiated the process to sell the 1994 Schweizer 300C helicopter last month. "Shortly after taking office, Sheriff Sam Crish, in looking at ways to save money, decided we could sell the helicopter and get those services from other agencies. We have not used this helicopter since the first of the year," Chief Deputy Jim Everett said. "We have requested a helicopter from the Ohio State Highway Patrol on several different occasions and they've sent their helicopter. We've had some private individuals with fixed-wing aircraft that have volunteered that if we need an aircraft they would fly and we'd have the cost of fuel." Everett said the Sheriff's Office expects to realize up to $35,000 a year in savings through eliminating insurance payments and annual maintenance. A minimum bid of $110,000 has been set for the sale. Source: www.limaohio.com
‘Air 2' Helps Vancouver Police
RCMP Tactical Flight Officer Constable Paul Hayes and Pilot Ron German looked in isolated locations. With high-powered binoculars, they could determine the make and model of the vehicles below, and isolated three possibilities for police on the ground to check out. About 30 minutes later, the aircrew was radioed by West Vancouver police stating that the woman was inside one of the three SUVs spotted by the helicopter. "They said they found her and she was on her way to the hospital. I guess she had drank a lot of alcohol and swallowed a lot of pills," Hayes recalled. "It's so rewarding being able to find someone like that." Air 2 became part of the RCMP fleet this winter, joining Air 1, which has been around since 2006. RCMP Supt. Derek Cooke, who oversees the Lower Mainland District Traffic Services Unit, says the two helicopters are invaluable tools that help officers track suspects fleeing from a crime scene, or pursue speeding vehicles on highways. In those cases, police cars are required to stand down from the chase. Abandoning pursuits, alone, has improved public safety. Air 1's approximately $1-million annual operating costs come out of the police budget. The RCMP has requested similar funding from the provincial government so Air 2 can also be staffed, but for now, only one machine can fly at a time. Source: www.vancouversun.com
UK Agency Arrest Man For Shining Laser
Las Vegas Is Host to Western Region's Safety Seminar The 2009 Western Region Safety Seminar will take place in Las Vegas, NV, September 23-25, and be hosted by the Las Vegas (NV) Metropolitan Police Department. You may book your rooms now at our host hotel, the Rio All-Suites Casino Resort. In addition to an outstanding educational lineup, APSA will be offering an optional Water Survival class on Wednesday, September 23, from 1000–1600. To register or for more detailed information, please visit our website at www.alea.org/public/seminars/western/index.aspx. |
During our 39th Annual Conference & Exposition in Savannah, GA last month, the APSA presented several special awards to recognize some the best in airborne law enforcement.
The U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics, recently released a Special Report entitled “Aviation Units in Large Law Enforcement Agencies, 2007”. This report is based on the 2007 Census of Law Enforcement Aviation Units, and many of the questions in that census were developed from input supplied by APSA.
As skydivers jumped from a Eurocopter UH-72 Lakota circling high overhead on July 10, Grand Prairie, TX-based American Eurocopter (AEC) treated its customers, employees and industry friends to its 40th anniversary party. Speeches, helicopter demonstration flights, and a good old-fashioned Texas barbecue rounded out the celebrations as AEC launched itself into the next 40 years and commemorated the helicopter manufacturer's first four decades of aircraft production in the United States. In conjunction with the anniversary, AEC officials outlined new service offerings, including dedication of a new Customer Service and Fleet Operations Center in Grand Prairie.
The Phoenix (AZ) Police Department is buying a new Pilatus PC-12 Spectre airplane for extraditions and surveillance work. The Swiss-made plane has a pressurized cabin and plenty of seats to transport out-of-state offenders, thus solving a problem raised earlier this year when the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office informed local police it would no longer perform extraditions.
Suffolk (UK) Police Authority's new helicopter went into service last month. The EC135 aircraft has the latest state-of-the-art technology and will be used to help the flight crew locate offenders and missing people, spot suspicious vehicles and recover stolen property. The previous helicopter, which was in use for nine years, had flown more than 6,000 miles, attended more than 12,440 incidents and been integral in the arrest of more than 1,070 criminals. It also helped officers to locate 325 missing people and recover more than $7.9 million (USD) worth of property.
Lockheed Martin Corp. entered into a definitive agreement last month to acquire Gyrocam Systems LLC, a developer and supplier of gyro-stabilized optical surveillance systems for the U.S. military and airborne law enforcement. The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
The Spokane County (WA) Sheriff's Office helicopter equipped with thermal imaging helped deputies find and save a suicidal woman last month who had passed out in the woods, dressed all in black. A call came in at night that the woman had taken about 50 Tylenol, washing them down with vodka, and wandered into the woods near her home.
Joe Johnston, a pilot with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), was presented with the Outstanding Service Award by the North American Wildlife Enforcement Officers Association, which has 8,000 members throughout the United States and Canada.
A marijuana farm was discovered last month in Navarro County, Texas. Deputies from the Navarro County (TX) Sheriff's Office, agents from the Texas Department of Public Safety Narcotics Service and Aircraft Section, as well as the Drug Enforcement Administration Dallas Region, took part in the bust.
After 15 years, the Walton County (FL) Sheriff's Office helicopter remains an important tool in fighting crime and locating loved ones. In the mid-1990s, the office converted an OH-58C Kiawa for law enforcement purposes, and since, they've acquired another surplus aircraft.
The National Police Agency (NPA) in Japan last month selected the Sikorsky S-92 helicopter to conduct search and rescue and special mission operations.
A woman in Vancouver, Canada used her cell phone to say goodbye to her loved ones. She planned to kill herself. She wouldn't say where she was. After receiving a 911 call, West Vancouver police asked the Royal Canadian Mounted Police's Air 2 helicopter for help, providing specific details about the woman's vehicle.
The 65-year-old was arrested on suspicion of endangering the life of a police helicopter crew by shining a laser deliberately at them last month. Sussex Police Authority's Air Operations Unit Inspector Simon Pettett, said, "Shining a laser pen or pointer at aircraft is an offense, and the helicopter is a useful tool in gathering evidence and identifying suspects who can be charged with endangering an aircraft. These incidents are an increasing nuisance. Luckily nothing has gone wrong to date, but it's only a matter of time before an accident occurs." The accused man will appear in court on August 13.
