| 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. ASTREA Deputies Earn Valor Award for Daring Rescue
Deputies Scott Bligh and Gary Kneeshaw, who made a daring helicopter rescue that saved the lives of two rock climbers trapped by flames last year on the face of El Cajon Mountain, were honored last month. “These officers embody bravery and selflessness, and we thank them for their courageous acts in the face of tremendous danger,†Brown said. Harris cited the recipient's “extraordinary bravery.†On Aug. 21, 2010, graduate students Meg Rippy and Andre Doria were stranded on the side of a cliff near El Monte County Park as the fast-moving fire surrounded them. They used a cellphone to call 911. Bligh, a sheriff's helicopter pilot, and Kneeshaw went to rescue them. They rescued Rippy first, and Bligh flew her down the mountain to safety. The rescue of Doria was initially aborted because of a steep drop-off and winds. Kneeshaw stayed behind with Doria until Bligh could return. With the front skids of the MD 500 helicopter resting on a bit of level ground, Kneeshaw loaded Doria into the front seat, as flames were 10 feet from the tail rotor. Kneeshaw climbed onto the skid and yelled to Bligh to take off. Bligh flew the helicopter out of the smoke to the valley floor as Kneeshaw stood on the skid for the entire flight, his arm through Kneeshaw's gun belt. Rippy and Doria, oceanography graduate students at the University of California San Diego, reunited with the deputies five days later to thank them. “We're very lucky to be here,†Rippy said. SOURCE: http://signonsandiego.com Man Fights Laser Light Conviction
The man's explanation was that it was "a stupid act and he wasn't thinking" after having had a few drinks with friends. The police prosecution argued that the man admitted to pointing it at the helicopter, saying he didn't realize the affect it would have on the pilot, according to the summary of facts. The man's attorney cited his age and future career (he is a second year marine biology student) as reasons for discharging him without conviction. "He was 19 years old," she said. "This is definitely going to impact on him. It would affect his employment and travel." While New Zealand's "clean slate" legislation would apply after seven years, the man needs to complete his studies, apply for residency and find work sooner than that. The judge said the summary of facts and attorney's argument were a "curious juxtaposition". The case was remanded until October 25. SOURCE: http://www.stuff.co.nz Edmonton Celebrates 10 Years of Aviation Service
But getting the helicopter wasn't easy. The Canadian department rallied the community to raise the $2 million that was initially needed to start the program. "A lot of people, we had to convince them, why we needed a helicopter," said Chris Hayden, a former EPS officer who was one of the original four Air 1 crewmembers. "I think officer safety, public safety - that drove the point home." A decade later, there are now two helicopters (Air 2 was purchased in 2008) and the technology has vastly improved. For example, calls for service are now recorded and the footage is handed over to the courts if needed. The images from the infrared camera are much clearer. A big benefit of Air 1 and Air 2 is the ability to get to different places in the city in a very short period of time, allowing police to manage their resources more effectively. "Helicopters cost money, we don't argue that," pilot Cst. Tom Bechthold said. "I can quote positive stats all day, but it's the everyday things that matter. It might take a patrol officer 10 minutes to clear a field in the dark. We can do it in 10 seconds from the air and tell you how many rabbits are running around." "I think it's great value for our money," said Edmonton Police Commission chairwoman Arlene Yakeley. "The commission has kept a close eye on statistics for the past 10 years. This is a large amount of money to be spent, but absolutely, it's worth it." SOURCE: http://www.edmontonjournal.com Arizona Agency Selects New Mission Aircraft
For many years, PCSD maintained aircraft for border crime enforcement and tactical insertion missions, while the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) was the primary helicopter provider for the sheriff's search and rescue missions. However, recent budget cutbacks by AZDPS increased the need for PCSD to have search and rescue capability. The sheriff's department sought a helicopter capable of supporting all three missions. "We traveled coast to coast meeting with law enforcement agencies with experience flying American Eurocopter, Bell and MD products," says Kimmins, who is the department's tactical response commander. "By almost unanimous consent, the law enforcement officers we spoke with said that the AS350 was the best aircraft for our missions. The others didn't meet the criteria for everything we needed to do." "The AS350 B3e is the most recent product evolution of the AStar, incorporating enhanced safety and performance features,†said Treg Manning, American Eurocopter's Vice President of Commercial Sales. The aircraft is powered by a new Turbomeca Arriel 2D engine and equipped with a new FADEC and Engine Data Recorder, which enhance performance and system management. With a population of over 980,000, Pima County covers over 9,000 square miles. "One day, we may be doing a rescue in the desert where it's 112 degrees, and the next day, we could be in a much colder mountain climate at an altitude of over 10,000 feet," notes Kimmins. American Eurocopter plans to deliver the AS350 B3e to the PCSD in early 2012. SOURCE: American Eurocopter Inflatable Aircraft To Conduct Utah Patrols
The 4-foot, helium-filled blimp will be operated by remote control and be outfitted with cameras, a radar transponder and other devices. According to the department, overall cost to buy and outfit the craft will be less than $40,000 and about $100 a week to operate for helium and battery charges. The blimp should be able to stay aloft up to seven hours and travel 40 mph. The maker, Hyperblimp, describes the blimp as useful for aerial photography, search and rescue, surveying remote locations or traffic control. Local Weber State University is conducting flight trials in the city's rural area. SOURCE: today.msnbc.msn.com APSA Is Hiring; Two Positions Open
California Sheriff Adds Light Sport Airplane To Fleet
With a camera mounted under the right wing, the small plane will support ground officers for the county south of Fresno in California's central valley. With the ability to safely fly as slow as 50 miles per hour, the two-seat composite airplane was an attractive option for the county. "Flight Design was selected not only for its commitment to provide a low-cost, turn-key law enforcement aviation platform, but also based on overall safety in design, from benign stall characteristics to the ballistic parachute system. Safety for our officers and our residents is always our number one priority." According to Williams, "The Flight Design CTLE can do much of what the department's existing airplane, a 1973 Cessna Skymaster, can do with lower fuel and maintenance costs." CTLE can slow down to about 50 mph, allowing it to circle and conduct aerial searches for suspects on the ground. "You can make the same sort of orbit as a helicopter without any problem at all," Williams noted. With a top speed over 130 miles per hour, the airplane can be repositioned faster than a helicopter and the low fuel burn gives it more endurance as well. "Flight Design now has a specially prepared law enforcement aircraft with specific camera mounting hard points, an extra alternator and other extras like high intensity lights and police radios while still meeting an aggressive price point," stated John Gilmore, National Sales Manager for Flight Design USA. SOURCE: Flight Design NY Sheriff To Sell Naming Rights to Helicopter
Onondaga Sheriff Kevin Walsh explains that his department is seeking businesses that would support the costs of operating the Bell 407 helicopter known by its radio call sign, Air-1. In exchange for making a financial contribution, a company would have its name displayed prominently on the aircraft. Walsh says he has talked to some businesses but so far hasn't landed a commitment from any company. The sheriff's office has formed a nonprofit foundation to accept donations for Air-1. It also has applied to the Federal Aviation Administration for a commercial operator's license, which would allow the office to charge a fee for medical transports. But Walsh said he does not believe he can raise enough money through fees and donations to pay the entire cost of the helicopter, which totals more than $500,000 a year. There has been no money allocated for the aviation unit in the 2012 budget. Source: www.syracuse.com Public Security Bureau of Orders Two Aircraft
The GrandNew was chosen for its outstanding performance and its ability to operate in demanding local environmental and weather conditions, such as strong winds, poor visibility and high summer temperatures. The aircraft also features the very latest developments in avionics. It is the first type-certified light twin (CS/JAR/FAR 27) to enter service with a new EFIS featuring Synthetic Vision and the first helicopter in this class on the market fully compliant with the latest advanced global positioning system-based navigation requirements for all weather operations. Source: AgustaWestland APSA Supports NLECTC's Exploration of Low-Cost Aircraft
The NLECTC is a U.S. Department of Justice funded organization dedicated to assisting state, local, tribal and federal law enforcement and other criminal justice agencies in addressing their technology needs and challenges. NLECTC's low-cost Aviation Technology Program seeks to assist state and local law enforcement agencies with exploring the value of light sport aircraft and unmanned aircraft as an alternative to the more traditional aircraft used by law enforcement, said NLECTC's Project Manager Darian Williams. There are about 19,000 law enforcement agencies in the United States, but only about 300 of those have aviation units, Williams said. Not every law enforcement agency can afford several million dollars for a helicopter, as well as the $1,500 per hour to operate it, he added. “So, we're looking at lower cost aviation assets that they might be interested in,†he said, which is why NLECTC has been reviewing unmanned systems. “There's always a place for an aviation unit within a law enforcement agency,†and with the lower costs of the robotic units, agencies that never considered an aerial unit before can now acquire them, he said. “We support NLECTC's work on seeking low-cost alternatives to provide airborne law enforcement platforms to those agencies which can't afford to operate the more traditional aviation assets and appreciate them sharing their exhibit space with us at the Technology & Science Fair,†said APSA CFO Dan Schwarzbach. SOURCE: www.governmentvideo.com Agency Donates Aircraft to Local Museum
Purchased in 1980 by the City of Santa Monica for $25,000, the Cessna 172 Skyhawk had “logged thousands of flight hours and performed hundreds of aerial operations in support of law enforcement activities,†Cpt. Carolin Larson stated. Larson added the department currently relies upon a helicopter for its aerial law enforcement operations. “Once it was determined that the Cessna was no longer needed, police department staff researched alternative means for disposing of or selling the Cessna 172,†Larson said. “Due to the Cessna's unique configuration, age and condition, there was no broker interest and selling the aircraft was no longer viable.†The Museum of Flying had contacted SMPD to acquire the Cessna 172 Skyhawk and display it at its facility. Council members unanimously approved the donation. SOURCE: www.smmirror.com Grant Purchase Transferred to Regional Helicopter
The SABLE program is a model example of a regional, multi-agency effort, shared between the Wilmington Police Department, Leland Police Department, and the Pender County Sheriff's Department. Each partner agency provides their own deputies or officers to perform as tactical flight officers for dedicated mission support and internal training. The Wilmington Police Department is responsible for daily operations, administrative requirements and budgeting. SOURCE: www.starnewsonline.com Maryland Police Officially Dedicate New Hangar
Maryland State Police Aviation Division Commander Maj. Mark Gibbons said he had 160 employees, 11 helicopters and two fixed-wing aircraft. “It is the employees of the aviation command who are the glue that keeps this operation together,†he said. Gibbons said the state's helicopter response system was unparalleled when compared to other states. He praised the volunteers and paid partners in fire, rescue and EMS. He called them “the frontline warriors.†The state will be getting a replacement fleet of 11 new helicopters next year. Gibbons credited John Bohanan for helping to save the current system. Bohanan said there was tremendous pressure to privatize the system in the wake of the helicopter crash in Prince George's County in September 2008 in which four people, including the pilot, were killed. Bohanan said the system prevailed and the legislature approved the entire new fleet. SOURCE: www.thebaynet.com/news First of Two New Aircraft Delivered to Dalian Police
The twin-engine EC155 is a five-ton helicopter from Eurocopter's well-known Dauphin family. It seats up to 12 passengers comfortably, is extremely versatile and is recognized to be the quietest helicopter in its class. SOURCE: Eurocopter FAA Sets Date for Small Unmanned Planes in U.S. Airspace
There will be a lengthy process of producing a draft, comment periods and then finalizing the procedures operators will have to go through to launch, fly and land small UAVs, just as general aviation pilots do every day without having to notify Washington. Currently, any entity wishing to fly an unmanned aircraft in the national airspace must obtain a certificate of authorization from the FAA. The office has 285 active COAs with 85 organizations for a total of 82 aircraft, said Randy Willis, who is in charge of approving the certificates. “It is a very wide, broad range of aircraft and capabilities that come to our office,†he said. Pressure to allow regular UAV flights is coming from both industry and the military. UAVs' ability to automatically sense and avoid other aircraft has been a technological sticking point that has prevented more widespread use of unmanned systems in the national airspace. SOURCE: www.nationaldefensemagazine.org South Yorkshire Police To Join National Program
When South Yorkshire Police grounds its helicopter, the nearest police helicopters will be based in West Yorkshire, Humberside and Derbyshire. South Yorkshire Police Federation chairman Neil Bowles said the decision had been met with "disappointment". Under the plans, the county will still have a 24-hour service with a response time of 20 minutes. South Yorkshire Police are set to meet with the team behind the national service to discuss how local staffing will be used under the new structure. South Yorkshire Police said the removal of the helicopter service would save it over $1 million per year. SOURCE: www.bbc.co.uk/news Register Now For Canadian Safety Seminar
The Winnipeg Police Service will host the 2011 APSA Canadian Region Safety Seminar in Winnipeg, Manitoba on October 18-20 at the Fort Garry Hotel Spa & Convention Center. Sessions on Transport Canada regulations, swift water rescues, high-rise emergencies, UAV applications and emergency response plans will be conducted, among others. To register or for additional information, check ourwebsite or email Region Director Rob O'Quinn atroquinn@PublicSafetyAviation.org. Land In Austin For Central Safety Seminar
Discounted room rates at the Holiday Inn Austin Town Lake are available if booked by October 18. Visit http://archives.alea.org/events/detail.aspx?i=120&p=1&d=11/01/2011 for complete details or contact Central Region Director Ryan Miller directly at rmiller@PublicSafetyAviation.org. |
Two San Diego (CA) County Sheriff's Department ASTREA deputies are among 13 California heroes who were awarded the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor, the state's highest public safety award, for service considered above and beyond the call of duty. Gov. Jerry Brown and Attorney General Kamala Harris presented the awards last month.
A 20-year-old's future career is on the line as he fights a conviction for shining a laser light at a New Zealand Police Air Support helicopter. The man appeared in court last month to face conviction for a charge of endangering transport. He had earlier pleaded guilty to the charge, which related to an incident in December 2010 where he shone a laser at the department's Eagle helicopter.
Edmonton Police Service (EPS) Air Unit's 10-year anniversary was commemorated last month at a public ceremony where people came to see the department's aircraft and learn about its history. Cst. Trevor Bohachyk, one of six EPS officers who make up the EPS Air Unit, says the police helicopter, Air 1, has been a huge asset to the force. Over the past 10 years, it has been responsible for about 250 criminal arrests per year.
The Pima County (AZ) Sheriff's Department (PCSD) placed an order for its first AS350 B3e (AStar) helicopter. After a tragic accident earlier this year, Lt. Bob Kimmins and Capt. Don Kester were tasked with redefining the department's helicopter mission and identifying the appropriate aircraft for that mission.
The Ogden (UT) Police Department hopes a new airborne crime-fighting tool will be ready to fly by the end of this year: a 54-foot-long, camera-studded blimp, capable of monitoring crime scenes or joining a search. The project, first announced in January, ran into some problems with the Federal Aviation Administration, but recently passed the first step toward FAA approval. 
APSA has openings for two positions: Education Program Manager and Safety Program Manager. These positions will be filled by independent contractors reporting directly to the APSA Executive Director. To ensure the best candidates are considered, APSA has released RFPs for these important roles. If you are interested in either of these positions, visit our website, 
Tulare County (CA) Sheriff's Department accepted the department's new CTLE light sport aircraft last month. "The Tulare County Sheriff's Department will be the first agency in the U.S. to put a light sport aircraft into full-time service in support of patrol, just as many agencies do with a helicopter," said pilot Sgt. David Williams (Captain, ret.).
Searching for ways to keep the Onondaga County (NY) Sheriff's Office helicopter flying, the sheriff is looking to sell naming rights to the helicopter the police agency uses for search and rescue missions and emergency medical transports.
AgustaWestland announced last month that the Public Security Bureau of Ordos, in China's Inner Mongolia, has ordered two GrandNew twin-engine helicopters to perform fire fighting, rescue, observation, transport and civil protection duties. 
Officials from academia, government and the private sector who develop and promote unmanned vehicle systems (UVS) converged on Capitol Hill in Washington on Sept. 21 to provide members of Congress with insight on the latest technologies and how they are being used. The event was the Unmanned Systems Caucus Technology & Science Fair held at the Rayburn House Office Building and sponsored by the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International. APSA joined with the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLECTC) System's Small, Rural, Tribal, and Border Regional Center's Aviation Technology Program in representing airborne law enforcement at this event.
Last month, the Santa Monica (CA) Police Department (SMPD) donated its 1973 Cessna 172 Skyhawk aircraft to the Santa Monica Museum of Flying. According to SMPD's report to council members, the aircraft served the department for more than 30 years and its “capacities and condition … precludes it from future law enforcement use.â€
The New Hanover Sheriff's Office (NHSO) received approval from its city council to transfer the purchase of a digital downlink system to the region's police helicopter last month. NHSO was awarded a 2008 Port Security grant for $270,000 to purchase the system. The equipment was originally meant for NHSO, but the department sold its aircraft earlier this year and joined a regional program called Southeastern North Carolina Airborne Law Enforcement (SABLE). The downlink system will now be deployed on the SABLE helicopter.
Last month, there was the dedication and open house of the new police hangar at St. Mary's County Airport for Trooper 7 of the Maryland State Police Aviation Division detachment. The unit operates in Southern Maryland and around the state for missions such as medevac, search and rescue and homeland security. The hangar has been officially operational for some time, but the dedication was the first time all personnel, state police officials, state legislators and county commissioners were able to attend.
The Dalian Municipal Public Security Bureau in northeast China acquired two EC155 helicopters for police missions. Delivered last month, the first EC155 was utilized for security patrols during the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting held last month in Dalian. This helicopter will subsequently perform missions with additional equipment such as searchlights and hoist for multi-role police support duties. The second EC155 is scheduled for delivery at the end of 2012.
Mid-2013 is the latest estimate for when the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will allow operators of small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to fly in national airspace without having to go through a lengthy bureaucratic certification process, according to an agency official. Rick Prosek, manager of the FAA's Unmanned Aircraft Program Office, said a committee to write the proposed rules for operating the aircraft was formed in June. “We are plowing through the small UAS rule to put that on the street,†he said at the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International conference held in August.
The South Yorkshire Police Department announced last month that it will stop running its police helicopter in January 2013 when it joins the U.K.'s National Police Air Service, comprised of 23 aircraft operating from 20 bases. South Yorkshire's “SY99†helicopter was launched in December 2003.
Hosted by the Austin (TX) Police Department Air Operations Unit on November 1-3, 2011, the APSA Central Region Safety Seminar will take place in Austin, TX. There will be roundtable discussions for tactical flight officers, patrol pilots and unit commanders that you won't want to miss. The educational lineup includes water survival training, emergency response plans, ground threats, tactical video applications, internal security, and much more.
