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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. TFO Dies In Line Of Duty; Funeral Tomorrow
When the helicopter returned to retrieve Trooper Beesley, he could not be located. Utah Highway Patrol's Colonel Daniel Fuhr said in a news report, "His (medical) bag fell a distance from the rock where they offloaded and nobody knows what happened, but we believe that when he went to go secure that bag, he lost his footing and fell into the ravine." His body was found some 45 minutes later at the bottom of a 90-foot cliff. Trooper Beesley's family said he died doing what he was sent here to do. Trooper Arik Beesley, Aaron's brother, said, "Every day of his life, he was saving people." Trooper Beesley has saved countless lives and earned several awards for his service such as a Life Saving Awards and a Medal of Excellence. His wife and three children survive Trooper Beesley. Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, July 7, 2012. A memorial trust fund has been set up for Trooper Beesley's family under the name of Aaron Beesley Memorial Account at America First Credit Union. SOURCE: www.odmp.org and www.abc4.com Metro Aviation Delivers Second Aircraft to Massachusetts Police
Unit Commander Robert Smith said, "The primary use for the aircraft will be air support for state, local, and federal public safety agencies, including police and fire departments. This aircraft benefits not only the state police, we support everyone for searches, transportation, fire support, aerial photography, airborne command and control." When asked about the complexity and challenges in designing an airborne support platform, he answered, "The systems integration is the big thing; tying the FLIR, searchlight, moving map and video/audio downlink together to make the TFO's job a lot more efficient. The downlink is a great tool to allow ground commanding officers excellent situation awareness." SOURCE: Metro Aviation London Set To Host 2012 Olympic Games
Hundreds of American intelligence, security and law enforcement officials will work with British counterparts, sharing critical intelligence and troubleshooting potential risks. "I'm confident that there is more than adequate security here for these games," Louis Susman, the U.S. Ambassador to the U.K., told The Associated Press. "That said, we live in a tumultuous world, whether that be in New York or London." There are 26 Olympic sports to take place in 34 venues. A no-fly zone will be established over those sites. Eight million tickets have been sold for the Olympic Games and another two million tickets for the Paralympic Games. An aircraft carrier anchored nearby has equipment and 40 helicopters to conduct electronic surveillance and intercept suspicious activity if needed. "From a security perspective, London is breaking new ground," Susman said. SOURCE: www.dnaindia.com Queen Anne's Sheriff's Office Testing Gyroplane
"It's a very non-complex aircraft, very easy to fly. We can do almost the same thing as a helicopter, maybe 70 percent," said Queen Anne's County Deputy Pilot Bill Schepleng. He said the two-seat, open cockpit aircraft could be the future of law enforcement aviation. "The DOJ spotted us somewhere on their radar screen and asked us if we were interested in testing it for them and so we jumped at the opportunity," he said. SOURCE: www.therepublic.com Calgary Man Sentenced For Two-Year-Old Lasing Incident
The man pled guilty to mischief causing damage to property under the Criminal Code, as well as projecting a bright light at an aircraft to cause a hazard under the Aeronautics Act. More than a year before the helicopter incident, the court heard, the man was convicted under the Traffic Safety Act of pointing a laser at a police car. "Previously, there were only fines for this type of charge," said the prosecutor, noting a $5,000 fine in a recent Calgary case. "There has never been an outright prison sentence, so this raises the bar." The two police officers and one civilian pilot aboard the chopper kept control of the aircraft to help in the search for the suspect, but had to be grounded while doctors determined if they had any lasting damage to their vision. SOURCE: www.calgaryherald.com Volusia Sheriff's Office Resolves Paperwork Violations
A subsequent hazardous waste inspection in May found solvent soaked rags used to clean the three sheriff's helicopters, used oil and used oil filters all stored in unlabeled containers. The container that stored oil either needed a secondary containment measure or had to be moved inside the maintenance hangar, the inspection report states. The inspector also raised questions about the water that runs off when the helicopters are washed. The Sheriff's Office was required to correct each of the violations. Instead of paying a cash penalty, the Sheriff's Office will carry out a Pollution Prevention program that roughly equals an $8,000 fine. SOURCE: www.news-journalonline.com Norway's Search to Improve Air Service Leads to Northwest England
Merseyside Police Authority Chairman Bill Weightman said, "The age of our aircraft, together with the inception of the National Police Air Service, meant the authority may have found it difficult to realize the financial value of the asset moving forward. This arrangement provides excellent value for the authority in these difficult financial times. This deal is providing Oslo with a much needed helicopter to meet their requirements while leaving Merseyside appropriately compensated for the valuable asset." The Authority said that after careful negotiations and modifications to the aircraft, the helicopter was transferred last month to Norway. The Norwegian government also agreed to meet the costs of improvements, as well as the fee for the lease. SOURCE: touch.policeoracle.com German Federal Police Accepts Two EC155s
With the two latest aircraft, the German Federal Police now operates a total inventory of 87 helicopters, all of which are built by Eurocopter. "As an industry-leading innovator, Eurocopter works with the most advanced operators, exemplified by the German Federal Police, which has frequently contributed to enhancements incorporated in our helicopter product line,†Eurocopter President and CEO Lutz Bertling said. "Such a two-way dialog has enabled Eurocopter to become number one in the police and public service helicopter marketplace," he continued. SOURCE: www.sgvtribune.com Philippine Officers Charged With Graft Over Helicopters
Arroyo's husband, the marketing agent of the helicopter manufacturer's local distributor, and the officers were accused of colluding to pass off as brand-new two used aircraft that were sold to the police. PNP also acquired a third helicopter from the same distributor. Mr. Arroyo and the other defendants, who are all out on bail, could be jailed for up to 10 years if found guilty by the anti-graft court. Former President Arroyo was arrested last November, less than five months after stepping down from nearly 10 years in power. She is now detained at a military hospital while awaiting trial on two separates charges of vote rigging and corruption. She denies both charges. SOURCE: newsinfo.inquirer.net Chopper's New ID Honors Fallen Pilot
SOURCE: www.abqjournal.com 
Aircraft Added To Western Australia Police Fleet The Western Australian Police Air Wing took delivery of a law enforcement configured fixed-wing GA8 Airvan, manufactured by GippsAero, last month. The eight-seat aircraft has been integrated with a range of electronics to be used to facilitate the Air Wing's surveillance needs, aerial photography, flood/cyclone relief drops, search and rescue and special missions. "The extra space and payload means the Airvan can be fitted with extra equipment, making it more operationally effective," Pilot Brevet Sergeant Warren Green commented. "There's room to accommodate a FLIR camera, which has been extremely successful in use by our helicopter, and means that this new aircraft will further increase the Air Wing's capacity in the skies," Sgt. Green continued. Unit Commander Peter Scott stated, “Because of the size of Western Australia, we have always operated a small single-engine fixed-wing aircraft in our fleet. The introduction of the Airvan, however, increases that capability significantly because of the payload now available. The greatest benefit however is the flexibility to put in specialized mission equipment that is essential to a contemporary police aviation operation." Houston Picks NVG Maintenance Solution
HPD is a leader in using technology to improve safety within the law enforcement community. "There is little doubt that HPD Air Support Division sets a high mark for safety,†explains David Luke, VP of Night Flight Concepts. "We are very pleased to be selected by HPD to help ensure equipment readiness, airworthiness and enhance safety in night flight operations." Started in 1970, HPD Air Support Division operates out of Hobby Airport and has a fleet of 14 helicopters operated by a total of 20 pilots and four tactical flight officers providing around-the-clock flight coverage. The Air Support Division also operates a multi-mission Bell 412EP and a Cessna 182. SOURCE: NFC AUVSI Releases "Code of Conduct" for Unmanned Aircraft Operations
Central to the "Code of Conduct" is the need for "safety, professionalism and respect" in all uses of UAS. This code is meant to provide UAS industry manufacturers and users a convenient checklist for operations and a means to demonstrate their obligation to supporting the growth of the industry in a safe and responsible manner. "The emergence of unmanned aircraft systems represents one of the most significant advancements to aviation, the scientific community, and public service since the beginning of flight," said Michael Toscano, President and CEO of AUVSI. "With a commitment to safety, professionalism and respect, we can ensure unmanned aircraft are integrated responsibly into civil airspace." The guidelines recommend when and who should fly UAS, to minimize risk. They commit to complying with all federal, state and local laws and cooperating with authorities at all levels. The guidelines also commit to respecting other users of the airspace, the privacy of individuals, the concerns of the public and improving public awareness of UAS. "By proactively adhering to these guidelines, we want to demonstrate how the rights of individuals and the safety of all users of civil airspace are our top priority, as we work to unlock the incredible potential this technology holds," Toscano said. The FAA Modernization and Reform Act signed into law on February 14, 2012, included a provision requiring the FAA to safely integrate UAS into the national airspace. The law created a number of deadlines for the FAA to meet on its way to the safe integration of UAS by September 2015. Unmanned aircraft systems extend human potential, allowing individuals to execute dangerous and often difficult tasks safely and efficiently. Whether it is aiding search and rescue efforts, navigating through airspace too hazardous for manned vehicles, or furthering scientific research, UAS are capable of saving time, saving money and most importantly, saving lives. To view the Code of Conduct, visit www.auvsi.org/conduct. Oklahoma City Man Charged With Laser Offense
"Pointing a laser at any aircraft creates such a serious safety issue that Congress enacted a new statute in February to make it a federal criminal felony offense carrying penalties up to five years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine," U.S. Attorney Sanford C. Coats said in a news release. "Lasers can distract, temporarily blind, or even completely incapacitate pilots, putting them and any passengers in grave danger. Pointing a laser at an aircraft is both a criminal act and a serious public safety concern." "Lasers pose a real and perceived threat to our police pilots," Oklahoma City Chief of Police William Citty said. "State and federal laws have been enacted to protect our officers from these threats. Individuals who choose to target our pilots with lasers, for any reason, need to know that law enforcement will investigate and seek prosecution of any violator." The complaint specifically alleges that on two separate occasions, once on June 10, 2012, and again on June 11, 2012, the man pointed a green laser beam at the department's helicopter while it was flying patrol. If convicted, he faces up to five years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. SOURCE: http://normantranscript.com Mesa Man Shoots at Police Helicopter
The man left the house while police were still enroute and climbed into a vehicle parked on the street, investigators said. The police helicopter arrived and saw the vehicle pulling away from the house. The vehicle stopped and the man pointed something at the helicopter before walking back into the house, officers said. He eventually surrendered without incident, and later admitted that he fired a handgun into the air at the helicopter when he got out of the vehicle. Five shell casings were found on the ground outside of the house. The helicopter was struck once and received minor damage. SOURCE: www.kpho.com Jacksonville Police Airplane Lased Four Times
Police said there were also several other incidents of laser lights being shined at aircraft in that area that had recently been reported to the Federal Aviation Administration. Ground officers went to the man's home and began talking with his wife. They saw him run through the house to a bathroom where he was found hiding in a shower area where he was arrested. He told investigators he had pointed a laser at aircraft "more than a dozen times" but that he did not know the laser could reach to the aircraft. While he was arrested for a Florida felony, misuse of a laser device on an aircraft, he will likely face federal criminal charges as well. SOURCE: jacksonville.com APSA Conference in Reno Next Week; Learn About Latest Technology
All of the information you need to make the most of a week of the best tactical aviation training can be found on our website. To register, visithttp://archives.alea.org/events/Annual-Conference. What are you waiting for? |
Trooper Aaron Beesley, 34, of the Utah Highway Patrol Aero Bureau died after falling from a cliff while performing a search and rescue mission on June 30, 2012. The 13-year veteran and tactical flight officer was on a routine rescue mission to Mount Olympus to save two lost teenagers. The helicopter located the two and Trooper Beesley was placed on the ground to assist them. As the teenagers were airlifted to safety, Trooper Beesley was left at the scene.
Metro Aviation Inc. recently delivered the second EC135 T2+ to the Massachusetts State Police. The first aircraft was delivered late last year, at which time the unit received pilot and mechanic training from American Eurocopter. The second aircraft is similar to the first with the exception of the complete Helinet downlink system and a Eurocopter Deutschland aft fuselage-mounted SX 16 searchlight.
The 2012 Summer Olympic Games will be held in London from July 27 to August 12 and be attended by 150,000 athletes from 205 countries. The Paralympic Games will continue through September 9. Police forces across the United Kingdom are in final preparations for the safety and security of athletes and spectators. The London Metropolitan Police will be leading the way and support will come from elsewhere in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Approximately $1.6 billion has been spent on safety so far.
The Queen Anne's County (MD) Sheriff's Office recently began flying patrols with a gyroplane. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) owns the gyroplane and is lending it to the Queen Anne's County Sheriff's Office to test for a year.
A Canadian man who pointed a laser at a Calgary Police Services HAWC1 helicopter in 2010 has been handed a six-month conditional jail sentence (home arrest), the most serious penalty ever handed out in Canada for such an offense. He has been ordered to take counseling and behavioral treatment and perform 25 hours of community service as part of the sentence.
Volusia County (FL) Sheriff's Office officials finalized a resolution about environmental rules violations found at the department's helicopter facility during a January inspection by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. State rules require monthly inspections of fuel storage tanks, which were being done, but the EPA found the department failed to fill out the proper paperwork required for those inspections of the fuel tank used to store jet fuel.
The Merseyside Police Authority has agreed to lease an unused helicopter to Norway as a way to increase its income and help the Scandinavian country strengthen its air service in the light of the killings by Anders Behring Breivik last year (69 people at a resort island were murdered). The Merseyside Police helicopter will now remain in Oslo until May 2014, following the signing of a fixed term lease with Oslo Poltidistrikt (Oslo Police). At that point, the aircraft is likely to be returned to the United Kingdom and put it into service by the country's National Police Air Service.
The German Federal Police formally accepted the remaining two EC155 B1 helicopters from Eurocopter to complete an extensive fleet upgrade program involving 20 aircraft. The EC155 B1 helicopters are used for a wide range of duties that include border patrol, transportation of special forces and diverse search and rescue missions.
Ten officers of the Philippine National Police (PNP) were fired and charged with graft for their role in the police purchase of two helicopters allegedly owned by then President Gloria Arroyo's husband, the government said last month. The officers are accused of helping Jose Miguel Arroyo defraud the government out of approximately $820,000 for the 2009 and 2010 deals.
From now on, the New Mexico State Police Aircraft Division helicopter will now be identified as ABLE-6, a move to honor a pilot who died on a rescue mission. The previous call sign, N606SP, is being retired to honor fallen pilot Sgt. Andy Tingwall, state police announced last month. Sgt. Tingwall was on a search and rescue mission in June 2009 near the Santa Fe Ski Basin when the tail rotor of his helicopter struck the mountainside, resulting in a crash killing Tingwall and Megumi Yamamoto, the stranded hiker he was trying to rescue.
"Night vision goggles are a mission-critical capability for our organization, and airborne law enforcement, helping us serve our community 24/7," stated Dan Schwarzbach, Houston (TX) Police Department Budget Coordinator and Senior Pilot of the Air Support Division. "Ensuring NVG readiness and extending NVG sustainment is essential."
The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) released its "Unmanned Aircraft System Operations Industry Code of Conduct" last month. It provides a set of guidelines for AUVSI members and those who design, test and operate UAS for public and civil use with recommendations for their safe, non-intrusive operation.
Last month, a 20-year-old Oklahoma City man was charged with two counts of aiming the beam of a laser pointer at an aircraft, specifically the Oklahoma City (OK) Police Department Air Support Unit helicopter.
An Arizona man was arrested last month on two counts of aggravated assault after officers said he opened fire on a Mesa Police Department Aviation Unit helicopter. Officers said they received reports of a domestic violence situation where a woman caller said she had been fighting with her husband and that he had a handgun pointed at his chin.
A 40-year-old Jacksonville man was arrested after police said he flashed a laser light at one of their airplanes last month and charged with misuse of a laser lighting device on a police aircraft. The pilot reported seeing a green laser light shining into the department's aircraft four times and located the house where it was coming from.
Final preparations are in high gear for APSA's 42nd Annual Conference & Exposition next week in Reno, NV. Will you be there? Throughout the week, APSA will offer over 40 different conference workshops and technical briefings that will provide you with the opportunity to explore, study and discuss issues unique to the airborne public safety field. Take advantage of these exceptional programs being delivered by industry and subject matter experts! New this year is an unmanned aerial systems (UAS) demonstration area in the exhibit hall. See this new technology in action while in Reno!
