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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. 10-Year Anniversary of Terrorist Attacks; Video Shows Devastation
September 11, 2001, remains the deadliest day in U.S. law enforcement history. Nearly 3,000 people were killed, of which 72 were peace officers. Only police helicopters were allowed in the airspace near the World Trade Center towers, and the officers were the only ones shooting images from above that day. Aerial footage from the New York Police Department Aviation Unit helicopter was released earlier this year as a result of a Freedom of Information Act request. The 17-minute long chilling video can be seen here. The federal government is escalating security in preparation for the 10th anniversary and conducting confidential briefings with state and local law enforcement organizations as events are planned around the country to commemorate the attacks. A special ceremony will take place at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC at 10 am today. The names of the 72 officers are engraved together on Line 23 of Panels 9 through 22 of the Memorial's west wall. Following brief remarks, the officers' names will be read aloud and a wreath will be laid in their honor. SOURCE: National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and NYTimes.com London Looters Shoot At Police Helicopter
West Midlands Police Chief Constable Chris Sims said, ‘This footage shows seemingly coordinated criminal behavior with no regard for people's lives, whether it be through the setting of a fire, shooting at unarmed officers or shooting at the police helicopter. This investigation is being treated as attempted murder. I am thankful it's not a murder inquiry.' As of August 15, about 3,100 people had been arrested, of whom more than 1,000 had been charged. Five people died and at least 16 others were injured as a direct result of related violent acts. SOURCE: http://www.dailymail.co.uk Helicopter Hit By Blue Laser Beam
“We look at this as an assault on our flight crew,†Robertson said, adding that no one was injured in the incident. The blue laser has been advertised as the most powerful handheld laser made and strong enough to burn through plastic. The laser is even shown in video footage as being powerful enough to start a match, said Robertson, who also teaches aviation safety at the University of Southern California. “Just imagine what that could do to someone's retinas,†he said. SOURCE: http://www.lacanadaonline.com Volunteers Donate Aircraft and Time
The helicopter will allow deputies to respond faster, particularly for search and rescue efforts in mountainous terrain and other areas that are difficult to reach. For example, the helicopter can quickly transport search and rescue K-9 units across a lake that might be only a mile or two wide but would take hours to drive or hike the same distance. The helicopter also will make it easier to detect illegal marijuana gardens, providing increased safety and efficiency for narcotics patrols. Source: blogs.sacbee.com/ APSA Displays at UAVSI Conference
The APSA booth was manned alternately by CFO Dan Schwarzbach, Northeast Region Director Kevin Chittick, and Executive Director Steve Ingley during the four days of the conference. As in previous years, there was much interest from booth visitors inquiring when UAS use would become commonplace in law enforcement. On the last morning of the conference, CFO Schwarzbach served as moderator of a panel discussion entitled “Barriers for First Respondersâ€, which was broadcast live on C-SPAN, during which many of the issues related to law enforcement's use of UAS were discussed. This entire panel discussion can be viewed athttp://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/Barriersf. Having manned the booth at three of the last four AUVSI North American conferences, Schwarzbach commented, “It is imperative that APSA continue to be represented at this show as UAS are the next frontier for law enforcement aviation.†UAVSI's Unmanned Systems North America 2012 conference will take place on August 7-10 in Las Vegas, NV. Source: www.ainonline.com African Police Agency Adds To Fleet
The aircraft will be built at Eurocopter's facility in Germany, where it will be fitted with airborne law enforcement and rescue equipment. The helicopter is scheduled for delivery to NAMPOL in September 2012. The aircraft can be flown by one or two pilots and carries up to nine passengers. It combines proven and new technologies and is powered by two Turbomeca Arriel 1E2 engines, enabling it to achieve a fast cruise speed of 135 knots and an endurance of up to 3.5 flight hours. With an area nearly twice as large as France, Namibia is a country with long distances between towns and settlements, as well as a 1,580-km, mineral-rich coastline and an economic exclusion zone. This means that aircraft range and endurance are key considerations for NAMPOL, which delivers law enforcement and civil protection throughout the country. SOURCE: Eurocopter UAV With Extra Capabilities To Begin Work
Montgomery County's Chief Deputy Randy McDaniel said, “We are very excited about the funding and looking forward to placing the equipment into the field. Both my narcotics and SWAT units have been looking at numerous ways to deploy it and I absolutely believe it will become a critical component on all SWAT callouts and narcotics raids and emergency management operations.†ShadowHawk can travel over land or water for up to 3.5 hours in its hunt for perpetrators. Its maximum range is 35 miles with a top speed of 70 mph. The XREP Taser sits on ShadowHawk's nose with four barbed electrodes that can be shot to a distance of 100 feet. Source: www.singularityhub.com Eurocopter Helps IHST Launch Social Media Strategy The International Helicopter Safety Team (IHST) announced that it has launched social media profiles in an effort to increase awareness about the organization's goal to reduce the civil helicopter accident rate by 80 percent by 2016. American Eurocopter created the profiles in Facebook and Twitter, and has worked with IHST on the development of a social media strategy. “We would like to thank American Eurocopter for their input and efforts to create our social media presence,†said Kim Smith, manager of the FAA Rotorcraft Directorate and Government Co-Chair of the IHST. “This is an important effort for IHST and through the support of industry leaders like American Eurocopter, we are able to further promote our goals and safety initiatives.†The IHST social media pages provide the global helicopter community with instant access to useful safety toolkits and videos, reports and safety recommendations, and relevant news and event information focused on benefiting helicopter operations. The Facebook and Twitter profiles are also a great platform for the industry community to ask helicopter safety questions and share the experiences and information. “Like†the IHST Facebook page and join the IHST Twitter page to become active in the IHST social media community and provide the crucial input in helicopter safety and accident reduction rate. Join the IHST social media pages at www.ihst.org. Source: American Eurocopter Upgrades Delivered to Maryland Agency
Howard County, located in central Maryland between Washington DC and Baltimore, began operations in 2000 as part of a regional effort with Anne Arundel County Police Department. In 2005, the county decided to upgrade equipment and authorized the purchase of a new Bell 407 that was delivered in 2007. SOURCE: Aero Dynamix
Pennsylvania State Police Aviation Patrol Orders Tactical Video Downlink Systems
IMT will be delivering microwave video downlink equipment to transmit live video to IMT's PSRx tactical suitcase receivers or MobilCMDR handheld receivers on the ground. When the transmitters are in range of one of the fixed or mobile IMT receive sites, the signal is converted into streaming video onto the state's existing IP network, enabling the state police, the Office of Public Safety Radio and the Attorney General's Office to now view instantaneous synchronized video feeds. IMT's “land-and-hand†transmitter and receiver solution gives the Pennsylvania State Police capabilities to support the most rapid response to events, on-scene situational awareness and true interoperability. Once installed, the new downlink systems will be used to support a variety of law enforcement situations, including surveillance at large outdoor events, search and rescue missions, criminal and drug eradications and traffic patrol inspections. SOURCE: IMT, a business unit within the Vitec Group's Videocom Division Six People Charged After Police Helo Struck by Laser Pointer
The DRPS tactical flight officer at the time of the incident suffered temporary blindness, while the pilot was not affected. If convicted, the charges under the Aeronautics Act alone each carry a maximum fine of $100,000 and/or five years in prison. SOURCE: www.680news.com New Glasses Help Police Pilots Block Laser Pointer Beams
David Bothner, Director of Marketing for NoIR Laser Co., which makes the new glasses, said they are coated with special dyes that absorb and weaken much of the laser illumination. They are designed not to block instrument lights inside the cockpit or airport and flight deck lights that pilots need to see. Bothner said the glasses also let pilots see just enough of the laser light to pinpoint its source location. Most lasers available to consumers aren't likely to cause permanent eye damage to pilots, Bothner said, but, when the beam hits the glass, it lights up the entire cockpit. "It's a pretty disconcerting experience to be in a cockpit and have it hit," he said. "It's a huge flash of light. You can start to see spots and disabling glare or dazzling glare." SOURCE: www.stltoday.com Japan Coast Guard To Boost Its Helicopter Fleet After Tsunami
Procurement of the EC225s was decided after the Japanese Coast Guard efficiently carried out rescue and relief efforts following the massive earthquake and tsunami that hit the country, but unfortunately had aircraft submerged during the disaster that were rendered unserviceable. The acquisition will replenish the fleet with new aircraft that have the technology and capability to carry out complex search and rescue (SAR) as well as anti-piracy missions. When the earthquake struck in March and triggered destructive tsunami waves, Eurocopter Japan immediately set up round-the-clock maintenance shifts to support helicopter operations, ensuring maximum availability of the helicopters to perform their missions. More than half of the helicopters used by firefighters, police and coast guards during the disaster relief operations were of Eurocopter origin. SOURCE: Eurocopter Japan Idaho Agency Acquires Light Sport Aircraft for Testing
The National Institute of Justice is a research and development agency of the U.S. Department of Justice. The aircraft is a 2005 Rans Designs S-6ES Coyote monoplane. The two-seat, high-wing plane has a cruising speed of 108 miles per hour and a maximum speed of 120 mph. It has a welded steel cockpit and a bolted aluminum tube rear fuselage. The wing and tail surfaces are covered in ripstop nylon treated with a clear-coat, which makes the aircraft extremely lightweight. The plane's Rotax engine sips gas and spacious Lexan windows offer good visibility. “This is bare-bones aviation,†said McAuliffe. “It's not going to do what a Cessna can do, but it will really increase our capacity — especially with search and rescue,†said Undersheriff Bob Bussey, who shepherded the NIJ grant. The plane can also be used to locate marijuana-growing operations and conduct storm damage assessments, poaching investigations and border security. SOURCE: www.bonnercountydailybee.com NVG Providers Team To Debut NVG Conference
“In recent years, night vision imaging systems have provided airborne operators with incredible capability. However, that capability has introduced a level of complexity with new equipment, training and maintenance requirements for operators,†explains Night Flight Concepts President Adam Aldous. “We are very pleased to help host a conference that will focus on addressing the key challenges, opportunities and solutions for night operations.†“NightCon2011 is a new forum dedicated to the needs of civil, government and para-public operators using night vision imaging systems (NVIS),'' notes Aviation Specialties Unlimited President, Mike Atwood. “Experts from industry and government will be under one roof to discuss the most important topics in night vision. Presenters will discuss challenges faced by users and share critical insights pertaining to night vision program planning and support in different operational environments.†Visit www.nightcon.com to learn more or register. RCMP Tests Drone To Take Photos and Video
Officers are permitted to fly the Draganflyer X6 at altitudes of up to 175 feet and at speeds of up to 30 kilometers per hour. The lower altitude means it can also get much more detailed images than helicopters. An officer on the ground can wear video goggles and see what the drone sees. "There are a lot of potential uses for this technology but it will not be used for any type of surveillance," Gaumont said. The testing will determine how accurate it is and how the craft performs at night or in bad weather, he added. SOURCE: www.bclocalnews.com Canadian Safety Seminar Gears Up
Reduced rates are available at Fort Garry Hotel Spa & Convention Center if booked by September 14, so don't delay, call 800-665-8088 to reserve your room. For additional information, check our website or email Region Director Rob O'Quinn atroquinn@PublicSafetyAviation.org. |
On the morning of September 11, 2001, a series of four coordinated suicide attacks by al-Qaeda took place. Terrorists hijacked four passenger jets and intentionally crashed two planes into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, killing everyone on board and thousands of those working in the buildings. Both towers collapsed within two hours, destroying nearby buildings and damaging others. A third plane was crashed into the Pentagon in Arlington, VA. Hijackers had redirected the fourth plane toward Washington, D.C., targeting either the Capitol Building or the White House, but crashed it in a field near Shanksville, PA after passengers tried to take control of the plane.
Between August 6 and 10, several London boroughs and towns across England suffered widespread rioting, looting and arson. Footage taken from a West Midlands Police Department helicopter shows a masked man pointing a gun up at officers as it filmed them on the rampage during the riots. The gunmen were among 30 to 40 thugs who caused extensive damage to a pub and surrounding area. Shots were fired as police arrived at the scene to disperse the gang after petrol bombs were thrown. Eleven 9mm shots were fired at the helicopter and at unarmed police on the ground. The aircraft was not hit.
A 30-year-old man was arrested after he allegedly flashed a high-powered blue laser twice at a Glendale (CA) Police Department helicopter last month. The incident was the first time that the aircrew has been struck with a one-watt (or 1,000 milliwatt) blue light laser, which is significantly more powerful than a green laser, Glendale Police Sgt. Steve Robertson, who oversees the air unit, explained. Green lasers have been typically used in laser pointing incidents involving police helicopters.
The El Dorado County (CA) Sheriff's Office Air Squadron added a Bell JetRanger helicopter to its crime fighting and rescue resources last month. Dubbed Eagle One, the helicopter bears the Sheriff's Office decals but is owned and operated by pilots Ed Rincon and Richard Moorehouse. The men have volunteered their services as reserve deputies as well as the use of their helicopter for community service efforts. With volunteer pilots using their own aircraft, there is no cost to taxpayers or the county. Federal asset forfeiture funds will be used to pay for the fuel.
At AUVSI's Unmanned Systems North America 2011 symposium held last month, speakers delivered a “go-safely†message to UAS proponents eager to gain access to the national airspace system. Currently, unmanned aircraft in the U.S. can operate only in restricted airspace or through certificates of authorization (COA) issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to public agencies. There are 285 active COAs. A proposed rulemaking governing the operation of small UAS (50 pounds or lighter) is anticipated in December 2011, with a final rule following in mid-2013. In June, the FAA established an aviation rulemaking committee to consider larger unmanned aircraft.
Namibia's Ministry of Safety & Security ordered a Eurocopter EC145 last month to expand the capabilities and reach of the Namibia Police Force's (NAMPOL) Air Wing. The twin-engine helicopter will complement Namibia's existing fleet of Eurocopter AS350 B3s in providing comprehensive multi-mission protection capabilities in one of Africa's largest countries.
The Montgomery County (TX) Sheriff's Office was recently awarded a grant by the Department of Homeland Security for a new ShadowHawk, a seven-foot, 50-pound unmanned aerial vehicle. This UAV comes in different versions with options for outfitting. Both turbine or piston engines are available and guidance systems include laser pointers, range finders, illuminators, CCD TV optics and a FLIR infrared camera. Take off, flying and landing can be fully automated or pilot assisted. Law enforcement can opt to add an XREP Taser, grenade launcher or a single-shot or multiple-shot 12-gauge shotgun.
The Howard County (MD) Police Department Aviation Unit received its night vision goggle-modified Bell 407 aircraft last month from Aero Dynamix. “We take additional pride when that cockpit is going to be operated by people who are involved on a day-in and day-out basis protecting the citizens of their community and, in the case of Howard County, truly involved in our national security.†Said Tonka Hufford, Aero Dynamix Operations Manager.
The Pennsylvania State Police contracted with Integrated Microwave Technologies (IMT) last month to outfit up to seven of its law enforcement helicopters with tactical video downlink systems, including IMT's ChannelMaster Lite, NVG Access Remote and Omni Antenna technologies. These new orders comes on the heels of last year's $1.6 million contract between IMT and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, which included video downlink receiver equipment and installation services.
The Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) arrested six people in a laser-pointing incident involving a police helicopter that happened on July 29 in Ontario, Canada. The six suspects have been charged with assault with a weapon causing bodily harm, common nuisance and mischief endangering life, which fall under the criminal code. They have also been charged with projecting a bright light source at an aircraft under the Canadian Aviation Act as well as interfering with performance of duties of any crew member and lessen the ability of any crew member to perform duties, which both are fall under the Aeronautic Act.
The St. Charles County (MO) Sheriff's Department recently bought 10 pairs of special glasses for pilots and tactical flight officers designed to block most of the laser light while still allowing pilots to see their instruments in the dark. Capt. Dave Todd said pilots wearing the $215 glasses would be protected from the flashbulb-like effect of the light hitting the cockpit, but they still could see enough of the laser to track it to its source. Sheriff Tom Neer decided to buy them because of recent laser pointing incidents.
Following intensive relief operations after the Great East Japan Earthquake that occurred on March 11, 2011, the Japan Coast Guard, Eurocopter Group and Eurocopter Japan have signed a tripartite contract for the supply of three additional EC225 helicopters to the Japan Coast Guard. These aircraft will be the first civilian helicopters to be equipped with the most advanced mission system to be deployed for search and rescue as well as law enforcement missions.
The U.S. National Institute of Justice is loaning the Bonner County (ID) Sheriff's Office a light sport airplane for up to three years for use in intelligence gathering, manhunts, missing persons cases and other operations. “They're trying to find low-cost assets for small agencies like ours,†said Lt. Bill McAuliffe, one of the deputies who are training to fly the plane.
Together, Night Flight Concepts (NFC) and Aviation Specialties Unlimited (ASU) will present NightCon 2011, an annual night vision conference for civil and para-public operators to be held in Dallas, TX on September 15-16. The event will provide industry professionals with an opportunity to obtain information, education, and guidance on night vision goggle (NVG) implementation, operations, and maintenance issues.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are testing the Draganflyer X6 aerial drone that can hover over crash sites and crime scenes to take photos or beam video back to officers on the ground. RCMP Inspector Norm Gaumont said it will allow police to reopen roads to traffic faster after crashes than when a helicopter has to be called in. "Sometimes we absolutely need an aerial shot of the scene and we keep the road shut down longer than we need to," Gaumont said. "This fits in a suitcase and we can have it flying in minutes."
The Winnipeg Police Service will host the 2011 APSA Canadian Region Safety Seminar in Winnipeg, Manitoba on October 18-20.