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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. Coast Guard Helicopter Crashes; Kills Aircrew
Rescue teams used a sonar boat to take underwater images of the helicopter, resting on the bottom of the bay. The tail section and the fuselage were recovered and will be stored and analyzed at a secure facility as part of the investigation to figure out what happened. The helicopter's flight data recorder has also been recovered. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the crewmembers during this difficult time," Capt. Don Rose, commanding officer of Coast Guard Sector Mobile, said in a statement. Two helicopters, an airplane and several vessels were involved in the search. No other information was available at press time. SOURCE: www.huffingtonpost.com APSA Seeking Those Interested In Serving As Eastern Region Director Due to the recent resignation of our Eastern Region Director, who was also the sole candidate for this position in the upcoming election, the APSA Board of Directors is seeking resumes of those interested in serving in this capacity. The term of office will be from Board approval through July 2014. Eligible candidates must be members in good standing, reside in the Eastern Region, and employed or appointed as peace officers by a governmental law enforcement agency under the laws of any state or nation, whose duties and responsibilities include the assignment as air crew in or supervision and management of the agency's aviation and/or alternative aircraft operations unit, section, division or department. The deadline for resume submittal is 5:00 pm EDT on April 1, 2012. Send your resumes to APSA Secretary Gregg Weitzman at gweitzman@PublicSafetyAviation.org or 50 Carroll Creek Way, Suite 260, Frederick, MD 21701. FAA Proposal Will Impact Law Enforcement UAS Application Process
In particular, paragraph 10(b) of the proposal requires all police departments, including sheriff's departments, and other first responders, to get a written verification of their status as a public entity from their state attorney general or other qualified state office. This verification will be required for all COA applications. This new onerous requirement is unnecessary and will delay law enforcements ability to use a UAS, not to mention the fact that a duly elected sheriff will bristle at the idea that they need to get verification of their status as a law enforcement agency from the state attorney general. Also, the proposed advisory circular will require law enforcement agencies that want to contract out their UAS services under provision 8(b) to give their contractors a written declaration of their public aircraft status, which shifts liability to the contracting government entity. Without this written declaration being on file, the FAA will not consider the contractors UAS a public aircraft, which means all civil aviation regulations (and penalties) will come into effect. The contractor must file the written declaration with an FAA Flight Standards District Office, and the declaration should include the name of the operator, aircraft type, name of the aircraft owner, the aircraft's registration number (it's unclear if the FAA plans on requiring all UAS, including small UAS to get a registered “N†number), the date of the contract with the law enforcement or public entity, the date of the proposed first flight, the nature of the operation, the date the contract ends, and the name and contact information for the government entity declaring the public aircraft status. The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) plans on submitting comments to this proposed advisory circular, and they encourage you to do so as well. Law enforcement and other public users will be an important market for UAS, and the FAA should work on making the process easier for public UAS operators, not more burdensome. If you have any questions or would like any more information about this proposal, email advocacy@auvsi.org. SOURCE: Ben Gielow, AUVSI APSAC Recognizes First Agencies To Become Accredited
Broward Adds Aircraft; Extends Life of Fleet
Two of BCSO's EC135 helicopters were built in 1999 and the third helicopter, an EC130, was built in 2003. The addition of the fourth aircraft will allow mechanics to rotate the helicopters for maintenance and extend the life of the fleet by spreading the total flight time between more aircraft. "We've flown our aircraft nearly 8,000 hours," said Sgt. Dale Owens, who heads up the BCSO aviation unit. "The new helicopter will allow BCSO to safely stay on top of police and medical emergencies in Broward County, and we will not have to hire new pilots or mechanics to do it." SOURCE: American Eurocopter Vislink Wins Major Order for Surveillance Technology
Vislink will design the fully integrated airborne downlink system, supplying its high power HD/SD Kamelyonâ„¢ HDX-1100 digital aircraft transmitter and cockpit-mounted control panel units to provide a broad range of surveillance and first response capabilities. The airborne units will transmit to four strategically located ground-based receiver sites providing citywide coverage and the ability to simultaneously receive real-time images from two aircraft for viewing at the emergency operations center. An additional three receive systems will be installed in the city's mobile command vehicles to facilitate field operations. Vislink's V-Net video surveillance technology provides first responders with mission critical imagery to support crisis management activities. By integrating microwave, cellular and WiFi technologies, Vislink is able to collect video from airborne and ground-based sensors over disparate networks and distribute it directly to response personnel. SOURCE: Vislink
The Biggest Stack Is The Knowledge You Take Home: APSA Returns to Reno in July; Register Now It's not too early to start making plans now to join us in Reno, NV, July 11-14, 2012, for our 42nd Annual Conference & Exposition. Better yet, plan to make an entire week of it and join us for a pre-conference course, July 9-11, too. All of the information you need to plan a week of the best tactical aviation training you'll ever experience will be available on our website soon at http://archives.alea.org/events/Annual-Conference.
Columbus Police Orders MD Aircraft
"We are honored to partner with the Columbus Police as they continue to set the standard for law enforcement in America. We appreciate their loyalty to our company and commitment to our products," said Lynn Tilton, chief executive of MD Helicopters. SOURCE: www.corpjetfin.live.subhub.com
Gold Coast Police Helicopter Gains Acceptance
Funded by a $500,000 payment by the Gold Coast City Council, Clarke said the trial has already won over the most cynical critics in the police service. "Even senior officers who admitted they weren't convinced about it beforehand now say it's like air conditioning," he said. The aircraft has been involved in a wide range of activities, including patrols of known hot spots, surveillance, traffic management, searches and drug crop identification. SOURCE: news.ninemsn.com.au
Night Flight Concepts Provides Tampa Aircrews With Laser Filters
"The problem of laser strikes on law enforcement helicopters has been increasing dramatically for many years," stated Sgt. William Shaw. "Having worked with Night Flight Concepts for many years prompted our quick action when the product became available. We knew we could expect an exceptional product that would deliver the results we need. The NVG filters add one more level of safety for our Aviation Unit's pilots and aircrew." "While it is true that NVGs offer protection against the potential harmful retinal burns that might be received, the filters enhance that capability by allowing the goggles to function normally by reducing the blooming effect significantly," explained Dr. Dudley Crosson, an expert in aerospace physiology. SOURCE: Night Flight Concepts Bambi Bucket Turns 30 Years Old
"SEI is very proud of the legacy of the Bambi Bucket product, but we are also very cognizant that much of our success is a result of the valuable feedback over the years from our end-use customers that has led to both product improvement and driven new innovations to meet the needs of the fire suppression industry," said Shawn Bethel, SEI's Firefighting Division Manager. "We feel that this relationship with the aerial firefighting community over the years has helped us to make a better bucket and, for this, we are truly grateful." SOURCE: SEI Industries Ltd. 
Act Now - APSA Awards & Scholarships Annually, APSA presents six awards, sponsored by some very special corporate members, which recognize outstanding performance by our members in our highly specialized profession. The winners of these awards epitomize our motto, "to serve and protect from the air". Additionally, APSA provides 13 scholarships totaling $29,500 to recognize the academic excellence of our members' children. The APSA funds seven regional scholarships, which provide $2,500 to each recipient. The remaining six scholarships, like our awards, are funded through the generosity of some very special Corporate Members and the James Bland Memorial Fund, and provide $1,500-$2,500 to each recipient. Now is the time to nominate that worthy someone for an award and/or apply for a scholarship! We are accepting nominations and applications through May 1, 2012, and will announce the recipients in July during our 42nd Annual Conference & Exposition. Please visit the Awards & Scholarship section of our website at www.alea.org/areas/awards/ for submission information. Don't assume that someone else is nominating that worthy person or that there are so many applicants that you'll never get a scholarship. Take the time now to help us recognize excellence in our membership and their families. Nominate or apply today! ABLE Aircraft Sold To Canadian Buyer
A Canadian buyer purchased the aircraft for $1.2 million but still needs to inspect the aircraft. The helicopters will not be used for law enforcement purposes. SOURCE: www.dailypilot.com Aero Products Awarded Gold Seal
Each year, all Bell-approved customer service facilities (CSFs) undergo a strict audit process to ensure Bell customers get the highest level of customer support. “At Aero Products, we continue to make investments in our facility, inventory, tooling and training to further enhance our ability to continue delivering high quality, professional service,†said Ted Johnson, founder and president of Aero Products. Among the capital investments the company made, its new exchange program is designed to create a less expensive alternative for customers who need immediate replacement parts. The company is committed to continue expanding this new exchange program and its rental offerings. SOURCE: rotor.com More Agusta Aircraft For Japan's Police
The JNPA helicopters are scheduled to enter operational service in 2013. These latest orders bring the number of AW139 medium twin-engine helicopters ordered by customers in Japan to 37, with nine dedicated to law enforcement missions. Law enforcement operators of the AW139 in Japan include the Tokyo Metropolitan Police, Chiba Prefecture Police, Osaka Prefecture Police, Nagano Prefecture Police and Hokkaido Prefecture Police. AgustaWestland's strength in this market sector is underpinned by 23 light twin-engine AW109 Powers and the Tokyo Metropolitan Police AW101. SOURCE: www.verticalmag.com LAPD Adopts Technisonic Audio & Radio Systems
SOURCE: Technisonic Industries Ltd. Kansas Agency Selects MD Aircraft A purchase of three MD 500E helicopters was approved last month for the Kansas City (KS) Police Department (KCPD) Patrol Support Unit. KCPD was one of the first law enforcement agencies to implement the concept of airborne helicopter patrol in the early 1970s using the Hughes 300 helicopter. The decision to upgrade the fleet to a state-of-the-art helicopter was made after years of successful operation using the OH-6 military surplus aircraft. The speed, agility, performance, low acquisition and operating cost of the MD 500E made it the aircraft of choice for KCPD's mission. The new aircraft will include an infrared camera, video downlink, NVG compatibility, high-powered searchlight and a mapping system from selected vendors. SOURCE: MD Helicopters Agusta Aircraft Grow Stronger In Chinese Markets
Other law enforcement operators in China which have chosen AgustaWestland helicopters include Shenzhen, Beijing, Nanning, Zhengzhou, Dalian and Zhejiang Public Security Bureaus in addition to the Guangxi Province. The Public Security Bureau of Ordos, in China's Inner Mongolia, will deploy two GrandNew twin-engine helicopters to perform firefighting, rescue, observation, transport and civil protection duties. SOURCE: AgustaWestland Nominations Wanted To Honor Excellence In Police Aviation
To be eligible, the nominee should be an individual who holds a management or leadership position in police aviation (broadly interpreted). The nominee could also be an aviation program (unit) that exemplifies excellence in airborne law enforcement. The award will emphasize initiatives to enhance the general level and safety of operations, accident prevention programs, and the efficiency and effectiveness of airborne law enforcement. Efforts eligible for recognition can range from the unit level to the national or international level. The deadline for nominations is June 15, 2012. For submission questions, please contact Mike Fergus by phone at 800-843-4227 x811 or by email at fergus@theiacp.org. Results Up 27% For Cleveland Police
"The use of the aircraft resulted in the equivalent of 140,376 officer hours being saved across the force during October to December - this would equate to a saving of approximately £1,684,512 compared to officers on the ground being deployed to the same situations." SOURCE: www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/ Head To The Windy City; Safety Seminar To Land In Chicago
Discounted room rates are available at the Marriott Chicago Midway until March 12. Don't wait, book now by visiting their website. APSA Training Headed to Maryland; Join Us!
An optional water survival course is available for $50. Register for the seminar herehttp://archives.alea.org/events/detail.aspx?i=124&p=1&d=05/01/2012 or contact APSA Northeast Region Director Kevin Chittick at kchittick@PublicSafetyAviation.org for further information.
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A U.S. Coast Guard HH-65C helicopter crashed last month in Alabama's Mobile Bay while on a training exercise, leaving three crewmembers dead and one still missing. The Coast Guard Aviation Training Center is contracting with a private company to retrieve the wreckage. The helicopter is believed to be in about 13 feet of muddy water and not in the shipping channel.
Although Congress passed a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) bill into law last month requiring the FAA to expedite the issuance of certificates of authorization (COA) for law enforcement and other public operators, the FAA recently released a proposed 
The Broward County (FL) Sheriff's Office (BCSO) purchased an EC135TM helicopter last month, the third EC135 in its fleet and the fourth Eurocopter aircraft overall. The BCSO helicopter is an eye in the sky for deputies on the street and a vital lifesaving tool in medical emergencies. Last year, BCSO helicopters flew 3,557 total missions, contributing to 498 arrests, and transporting 214 seriously injured patients to local trauma centers.
The Chicago Fire and Police Department will equip its helicopters with airborne surveillance technology provided by Vislink. The technology will be in place before the city hosts the Group of Eight (G8) and NATO Summits in May 2012.
The Columbus (OH) Division of Police Helicopter Unit ordered an MD 500E last month for delivery in 2012 with an option for a second aircraft to be delivered in 2013. The unit operates five MD 500E aircraft and flies between 800 and 1,000 hours per year per aircraft. The unit patrols 250 square miles during a planned 16-hour per day schedule. Since operation of the MD 500E began, the unit has accumulated over 60,000 flight hours.
Australia's Gold Coast Mayor Ron Clarke said a full-time police helicopter is as essential as air conditioning on the tourist strip. "You really can't do without it," he said. In a progress report for the first three months of a six-month trial of using a police helicopter, it showed the aircraft was first on scene in 71 percent of 500 cases with an average reaction time of 5.7 minutes.
The Tampa (FL) Police Department Aviation Unit procured new Laser Armorâ„¢ Light Interference Filters (LIF) to protect their NVGs from malicious laser strikes encountered by their pilots and aircrew members. The aviation unit is one of the first law enforcement agencies to take advantage of these new technology filters.
SEI Industries Ltd. celebrated the world-famous Bambi Bucket last month for its milestone of turning thirty. With its easy to use, lightweight, collapsible design, Bambi Bucket revolutionized the aerial firefighting industry in 1982 by improving initial attack response times to wildfires.
The three EC 120 police helicopters that were once jointly owned by the cities of Newport Beach and Costa Mesa, CA, as part of the Airborne Law Enforcement (ABLE) program were sold last month. ABLE was dissolved because of budget cuts for the 2011-12 fiscal year. Both Costa Mesa and Newport currently contract out for police helicopter service from neighboring Huntington Beach.
Although twenty-five consecutive years is a long time to be in the aviation parts and servicing business, it takes more than just endurance to become a Gold Seal Bell Helicopter customer service facility. Aero Products, an APSA corporate member, was awarded that distinction last month with the Bell Helicopter Gold Customer Service Facility Seal of Recognition for the company's ability to manage Bell Helicopter fleet issues.
Last month, the Japan National Police Agency (JNPA) signed a contract for two AW139 medium twin helicopters to perform multi-role law enforcement missions in Miyagi and Niigata Prefectures.
The Los Angles Police Department (LAPD) has integrated 40 of Technisonic's new A711L analog audio controls and 13 TDFM-7300 Project 25 multi-band radios into their helicopter fleet. These new A711L audio controls replace older AA95 controls and add additional transceiver support, single touch PA over-ride transfer, fully illuminated controls, increased headset drive and multi-band simulcast capability to the aircraft. The TDFM-7300 panel mounted transceivers provide four independent P25 digital encrypted VHF/UHF/800 radios and an analog low band VHF radio in a single Dzus mounted unit with no remote hardware. This combination provides powerful and unprecedented radio and cockpit audio management for the LAPD flight crews.
Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau signed a contract for two AW139 medium twin helicopters last month from AgustaWestland. These aircraft, which add to one AW109 Power and two CA109 Power light twins already in service with the agency, will be used to perform law enforcement, firefighting and air rescue operations in and around Beijing.
Awarded by the leadership of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and its Aviation Committee, nominations are now being accepted for their Excellence in Police Aviation Award.
The Cleveland (UK) Police helicopter flew 172 hours, attended 491 incidents and made 94 arrests in the last quarter of 2011, which resulted in 27% more arrests than the same period in 2010. Sean White, assistant chief constable (crime and operations), reported to a meeting of Cleveland Police Authority's strategic air support panel, "The figures continue to show that we are getting improved results from the new aircraft compared to the old aircraft.
Airborne law enforcement is a profession within a profession. Stay up-to-date by attending the upcoming Eastern Region Safety Seminar in Chicago, IL, March 20-22, 2012. Classes on emergency response plans, risk assessment, downlink application, accident investigation, internal security, grant availability, aeromedical issues, crew resource management and more will be offered. 
Anne Arundel County (MD) Police Department Aviation Unit and Howard County (MD) Police Department Aviation Unit will co-host this year's Northeast Region Safety Seminar in Annapolis, MD. The safety seminar will take place May 1-3, 2012. Discounted room rates of $116 at the Doubletree Hotel are available until April 18. Call 410-224-3150 to make reservations.
