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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. Gunfire Hits LAPD Aircraft
In the tense minutes after the chopper was shot, members of the 18-year-old gunman's family tackled him and allowed officers to arrest him without further gunfire. The shooter was apparently distraught because of the recent death of a friend, and police credited members of his family for calming him down. He was charged with two counts of assault on a peace officer with a semiautomatic firearm, one count of shooting at an occupied aircraft and one count of carrying a loaded firearm. "This situation could have easily turned tragic and we were just fortunate that the aircraft was able to land safely without injury to the officers or the public," Asst. Chief Earl Paysinger said. "It's ironic that it happened on Easter Sunday. Someone divine was watching over us." Source: http://www.nbcbayarea.com Governor Auctions Two State Aircraft On eBay
Beshear said the two planes for sale have been used primarily for law enforcement, particularly by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife. An assessment of the state's aircraft fleet showed that they could be sold without hurting the work of the department. Beshear declined to say how much money the sale, which will last 10 days, might generate. A percentage of the proceeds will go to the state's Finance and Administration Cabinet and the rest to the Department of Aviation. The sale is part of Beshear's ongoing Smart Government Initiative, which he started in January 2010. The program examines state government operations to find ways to save taxpayer dollars and make the government more efficient. Since the beginning of the Smart Government Initiative, Beshear said, the Office of Procurement Services estimates that $7.2 million has been saved through contract renegotiations and rebidding. SOURCE: http://www.kentucky.com Call For Entries: Got A Bust Worthy Of A Fuss?
Awards will be presented on Thursday, July 21, during the Pig Pickin' at APSA's 41st Annual Conference and Exposition in New Orleans, LA. Source: FLIR Systems India's First UAV For Police Work
Last year, the country had decided to arm the Chhattisgarh police force with UAVs to snoop on various militant groups in the aftermath of the Dantewada ambush, which left 76 policemen dead. However, the project had to be shelved after the UAVs failed to track the movement in terrain having thick foliage. "Depending on its success, bigger UAVs will be procured later on for surveillance purposes," Srivastava said. "We are the first urban police force to have a UAV he said, adding that the machine would be of immense help during demonstrations and VIP visits. Source: www.indiaeveryday.in Sheriff Gives Grant Money To SABLE Program
"I am excited about our new partnership with SABLE, and I'm just glad that we're able to assist and give this grant to SABLE to make it a more successful program," Sheriff McMahon said. The funds will also be used to provide downlink equipment to allow a live feed from the helicopter to officers on the ground and the county's Emergency Operations Center. Equipment bought using the grant money must be purchased by July 31, 2011. Source: www.wwaytv3.com LEAC Finds New Hangar Space For Helicopters
LEAC raises money for its services through grants, donations, corporate contributions, government contributions and private donations. The nonprofit group provides helicopter service to police agencies throughout northern Illinois and Wisconsin. Serving as volunteers, each pilot, TFO and ground support officer devotes hundreds of hours to training and missions, a true testament to their dedication to public service. Source: www.journalstandard.com Update: UAS Integration Into National Air Space
The U.S. Senate passed their version of an FAA Reauthorization Bill some months ago (also with UAS references) and, of course, there are differences between both versions. Now, under U.S. law, a small group of representatives from both the House and Senate will meet as a "conference committee" to work out the differences and, hopefully, produce an FAA Reauthorization Bill acceptable for both sides. This can then be passed in both houses with intent to send the final bill to the president for signature and to become law. Among the details, the bill proposes to set a deadline of September 2015 for the integration of commercial UAS into the NAS. It also requires the FAA to simplify its application process for law enforcement and public safety agencies. Once the application process is simplified, law enforcement and public safety agencies will be able to operate UAS weighing less than 4.4 pounds within the line-of-sight of the operator, less than 400 feet in the air during daylight hours within Class G airspace and outside five miles from any airport. Source: www.uasvision.com Want An iPad? Enter Air Beat's Photo Contest!
The contest winner will be announced at the General Membership Meeting during the 41st Annual Conference & Exposition in New Orleans, LA on July 21, 2011. For submission and eligibility details, please click here.http://archives.alea.org/public/airbeat/contest/default.aspx Former APSA Board Member Promoted to Brigadier General
"Brigadier General Groover brings impressive skills to this important position," said Major General Emmett R. Titshaw, Adjutant General of Florida. "Ralph has a record of success in a series of very demanding jobs. I am proud to see his selection." Brigadier General Groover received his commission from the Florida National Guard Military Academy Officer Candidate School in August 1983 after six years enlisted service and becoming Airborne and Special Forces qualified. He attended the Infantry Officer Basic and Advance Courses, Medical Service Corps Advanced Course, and Combined Arms Staff School. He holds a Masters of Aeronautical Science degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a Masters of Science degree in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College. Groover, who in civilian life is a captain with the Orange County (FL) Sheriff's Office, also once served as APSA Southeast Region Director. Brigadier General Groover has commanded at every level from Special Operations Team through Special Operations Joint Task Force. He also served in several key operational roles that ensured our special operators training proficiency and alert readiness. Brigadier General Groover's military awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Master Parachutist Badge, and the Special Forces Tab. Shared UK Police Air Support Unit Launched The South East Air Support Unit (SEASU), consisting of two police helicopters covering Surrey, Sussex and Hampshire, was officially launched on April 1, 2011. SEASU has been operational since October 2010, but last month marked the start of operations under a single Police Air Operator's Certificate issued by the Civil Aviation Authority. In the past, the United Kingdom police forces in Surrey and Sussex had one helicopter each, while Hampshire police operated a fixed-wing airplane. The move to sharing two helicopters between them is expected to save around $13 million over the next five years. SEASU Regional Inspector Steve Cheeseman said, "The launch of the regional air support unit has been seven years in the making and we have come up with a model which we believe will effectively serve Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire. The use of helicopters gives police a real advantage over criminals on the ground and also allows us to effectively assist in searching for vulnerable missing people. They are an invaluable resource which, through this collaboration, we hope to continue for many years to come." Source: www.elmbridgetoday.co.uk Over 12 Years Prison Sentence For Firing At Helicopter
The shooting occurred March 21, 2010, outside the man's home. During trial, McGuire said he intended to commit suicide with the handgun and denied shooting at the helicopter. Instead, McGuire claimed, he fired rounds into the air and into a palm tree. The jury rejected McGuire's defense and found him guilty. He pled guilty to the charge of a felon possessing a firearm. Source: www.orlandosentinel.com
Houston Police To Receive Newly Equipped Aircraft
The helicopter will have multi-role capabilities designed around the stringent and demanding mission profiles for the City of Houston. Delivery is scheduled for July 2011. Source: http://rotor.com
Officers Tweeting From Yorkshire Helicopter
The aircraft, which covers Sheffield, Barnsley, Rotherham and Doncaster, is in the air for about 1,200 flying hours a year. In 2010, it took part in 5,612 different tasks. Police community support officers in Sheffield have been using Twitter to share what they are doing out on patrol since September 2010. Source: www.bbc.co.uk/news CHP Crew Rescues Stranded Teenagers
The aircrew, Pilot/Officer J. Hertzell and Flight Officer/Paramedic M. Gutierrez, responded using skills developed during extensive nocturnal training. The crew located the three teens that had started a small fire for warmth. Due to the remote location and rugged terrain, the crew determined that a night rescue was necessary for the safety of the hikers. Due to the slope in the available landing zone, the helicopter was unable to make a normal landing and elected to perform a one-skid landing. Officer Gutierrez assisted the hikers into then aircraft, and then they were transported to the command post where all three hikers were reunited with their relieved parents. The CHP Air Operations Unit is based at the Napa County Airport and operates four aircraft (two airplanes and two helicopters), which patrol approximately 6,923 square miles that incorporates a residential population of nearly seven million people. Source: CHP Police Helicopter and Base To Be Decommissioned
A regional air support unit will be created and operated from a central location. Margaret Ollerenshaw, chairman of Cheshire Police Authority, said, "We are all facing the same financial pressures and, in some areas of policing, it makes sense for us to join together to share resources and make savings." Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news FAA Inspectors Continue NVG Training
"We continually emphasize safety and use of NVGs in the industry to increase safety," said ASU founder and CEO Mike Atwood. "A key element in the operational safety chain is the FAA inspector. This contract enables us to continue what has been our mission over the last 15 years, which is to maximize the safety of flying at night using night vision goggles. That is why we started our company and that continues to be the driving force behind ASU." ASU will be conducting both initial training and recurrent training. FAA inspectors learn proper NVG handling, when and how to use light in conjunction with NVGs, scanning techniques and other pertinent skills during the extensive eight-day training. Source: ASU First Easter Community Event For Mississippi Agency
Sheriff Mike Byrd said, "It's a public thing, and we wanted to do this for children and the families of the area. We just wanted to make sure everybody had a good Easter." Source: http://blog.gulflive.com ASU Announces Night Vision Award Mixer at APSA Conference Aviation Specialties Unlimited (ASU) is now accepting nominations for their night vision service awards that they will present during APSA's 41st Annual Conference & Exposition. Any flight operation using night vision systems is eligible. ASU will give awards for the following categories: 5-year service award, 10-year service award, Community Awareness award, and Mark of Excellence award. Nominations will be accepted until June 17, 2011. Forms can be completed online or can be downloaded by visiting http://www.asu-nvg.com/asu_night_vision_awards/ "APSA's annual conference is a unique event that provides us with an opportunity to honor airborne law enforcement agencies," said Mike Atwood Founder and President of ASU. "This mixer will give everyone attending APSA an opportunity to help us honor the award recipients while socializing prior to the Pig Pickin'. We look forward to honoring them and spending time with everyone there." ASU will host an afternoon mixer from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, July 21, at the convention center during which the awards will be presented. Drinks and light appetizers will be served. Source: ASU Safety Seminar To Be Held In Virginia Beach
Aside from the continuing education, there will be networking opportunities to meet other airborne officers and learn more about the latest products and technology specific to your job. The Westin Virginia Beach Town Center is the host hotel. Any questions, please contact Kevin Chittick at kchittick@PublicSafetyAviation.org. Register now at http://archives.alea.org/events/detail.aspx?i=116&p=1&d=05/17/2011. Optimize Your Missions With Continuing Education: New Orleans, July 18-21, 2011
APSA will conduct eight in-depth Pre-Conference Courses and 40 educational classes during the week of July 18-21, 2011 – all created specifically for the public safety aviation professional. Full details of the educational lineup and networking opportunities are contained in Air Beat's Conference Preview Issue, which will be arriving by mail later this month, or find the digital version online. Registration is affordable and easy – and a fantastic value! Visit www.alea.orgto register!
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A gunman with a high-powered rifle shot a Los Angeles (CA) Police Department helicopter last month, hitting the aircraft's fuel tank. The pilots were able to make a safe landing at nearby Van Nuys Airport. No one was hit by gunfire.
Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear announced the eBay auction of two state aircraft last month. For sale are a twin-engine 1975 Piper Navajo and a single-engine 1967 Cessna Skyhawk. The planes may be viewed at the Division of Surplus Property's eBay store 
The FLIR Vision Awards are presented annually to the airborne teams with the best recent video footage of a rescue, chase, apprehension or surveillance mission. FLIR Systems is looking to honor the airborne law enforcement use of EO/IR technology with its 16th Annual FLIR Vision Awards. The deadline for entry is May 15, 2011, so don't delay. For complete details and free shipping information, 
The police force in Chandigarh has become the first agency in India to acquire an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to keep a strict vigil on the movements of criminals. "We procured the UAV for four months on trial basis, and now 'Golden Hawk' will be with the city police by mid-May," said PK Srivastava, inspector general of Chandigarh police.
Now that they share a helicopter, the New Hanover County (NC) Sheriff's Office gave Wilmington (NC) Police Department (WPD) some big bucks to help pay for it. Last month, New Hanover Sheriff Ed McMahon gave WPD a $270,000 homeland security grant and $30,000 worth of equipment from the old helicopter. The money will be used to help support the Southeastern Airborne Law Enforcement (SABLE) Aviation Unit program and to buy night vision goggles.
"When everything hits the fan, it's the helicopters that seem to be the ones that are operational, making a difference," said David Youngblut, a ground support officer and crew chief for the regional Law Enforcement Aviation Coalition (LEAC). A twin-engine HH-1N Huey helicopter was one of three LEAC surplus helicopters that have a new home at Albertus Airport in Freeport, IL, as part of a new hangar lease agreement.
In April, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2011 by a vote of 223 to 196. The bill includes important passages about integrating unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into the National Airspace System (NAS).
Most all of the Air Beat magazine covers are taken by APSA members like you, so get out your digital camera and send us the best three photos you have with a public safety aviation element. The entry period is open until July 1, 2011.
Colonel Ralph H. Groover, III, was promoted to brigadier general and selected to serve as the United States Central Command Deputy Director Operations-Force Protection/Information Operations. Both the promotion and commencement of his new duties became effective Friday, April 15, 2011.
An Orlando man who fired at an Orange County (FL) Sheriff's Office helicopter was sentenced to 12.5 years in federal prison last month, the U.S. Attorney's Office reported. Jason Dennis McGuire, 27, was convicted on charges of attempted destruction of an aircraft, possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony, and for using a firearm during a violent crime.
Eagle Copters Ltd. was awarded a contract last month to provide the City of Houston and the Houston Police Department with a fully mission-equipped Bell 412EP helicopter. In operation since 1970, the Houston Police Department Air Support Division (Helicopter Patrol Division) has grown into the second largest municipal helicopter police air support unit in the United States.
South Yorkshire Police Department officers operating the force's helicopter have started tweeting about their work. Sgt. Helen Scothern, head of the UK's South Yorkshire Police Department's Air Operations Unit, said in a news release, "Many people associate the sight and sound of the helicopter with car chases and criminals on the run. However, the pilots and observers play a vital role in reducing anti-social behavior and gathering intelligence."
Last month, a California Highway Patrol helicopter (H-30) was requested by Yolo County (CA) Sheriffs Department to assist in searching for three lost teenage hikers near Monticello Dam at midnight. The hikers were in rugged and cold conditions.
Merseyside Police (UK) Air Support's helicopter is being scrapped under plans to pool police resources to save money. Police departments in Merseyside, Cheshire, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Cumbria and North Wales have agreed to collaborate in five areas to cut costs. Four helicopters using four air bases will cover the region. As a result, Merseyside's helicopter (which is the oldest in the fleet) and its air base will be decommissioned.
Aviation Specialties Unlimited (ASU) has been awarded the second night vision goggle (NVG) training contract issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to train principle operations inspectors and aviation safety inspectors. The first contract, in 2007, allowed ASU to train 58 FAA inspectors and provided 32 recurrent training courses.
The Jackson County (MI) Sheriff's Department participated in their city's first-ever Easter Egg Drop last month. Even through gusting winds, the helicopter made several passes, dumping as many as 1,500 eggs at a time onto the War Memorial Stadium football field while approximately 5,000 adults and children patiently waited a safe distance away. And then it was time to collect the eggs, which each had prizes in them or tickets redeemable for even bigger gifts.
The Virginia Beach (VA) Police Department Aviation Unit is hosting APSA's Northeast Region Safety Seminar, May 17-19, 2011. APSA will offer topical educational sessions including Airborne Threats from Lasers, Spotlights & Gunfire; Successful Prosecution of Laser Assaults; Occupational Hearing Loss; Aircrew Decision Making; Operational Risk Management; Obstacle Collision Avoidance Systems; and more. There will also be a Unit Commander's Forum and Roundtable Discussion, in addition to an optional Water Survival Training course.
Technology, management, aviation safety, regulatory issues, training, tactics and budgets are all components of police aviation. It is more important than ever for public safety aviation professionals to stay up-to-date with their continuing education. There is no better place to do so than APSA's upcoming conference and exposition in New Orleans this summer.
