August 2007

Airborne Law Enforcement Association, Inc.

ALEA  E-Newsletter

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ALEA Hosted Successful Conference

The 37th Annual ALEA Conference and Exposition, held in Orlando, Florida last month, was well-attended and was the culmination of the work done by ALEA staff and volunteers towards the fulfillment of the association’s mission statement, “To support, promote and advance the safe and effective utilization of aircraft by law enforcement agencies in support of law enforcement missions through training, networking, advocacy and educational programs.”

Eighty hours of preconference course instruction was given and 55 classes and technical briefings were offered during the main conference. Three days of exhibits gave everyone a chance to visit with the 164 vendors, who displayed their latest and greatest products and services specific to law enforcement aviation. You can download the daily conference newsletter, Air Beat Today.  ALEA will also publish a post conference article in next month’s issue of Air Beat Magazine.

Plan now to attend next year’s conference to be held in Houston, Texas from July 16-19, 2008.

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Aircraft Acquired for Border Security Missions

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Air and Marine added two AgustaWestland AW139 helicopters to its aircraft fleet last month. The acquisition of the state-of-the-art, multi-engine helicopters will enhance CBP Air and Marine (A&M) capabilities to safely and reliably conduct crucial border security missions in selected areas of border operations. Prior to their arrival in Miami, the aircraft were integrated by L-3 Communications at their facility in Waco, Texas.

“CBP Air and Marine’s acquisition of these two aircraft is part of an ongoing effort to modernize and integrate the CBP A&M fleet with the assets necessary to meet emergent border threats,” said Michael C. Kostelnik, Assistant Commissioner, CBP Air and Marine. “The AW139 medium-lift helicopters will strengthen A&M’s ability to transport law enforcement personnel and provide surveillance in support of homeland security operations in challenging environments.”

To ensure that CBP air assets are most conducive to mission success against current and emerging threats in diverse border environments, CBP Air and Marine initiated a deliberate acquisition strategy last year that includes an integrated operational testing and evaluation (OT&E) effort. New aircraft and systems will undergo an extensive OT&E by professionally trained CBP Air and Marine operational test pilots before they are put into service. The OT&E is designed to put an aircraft through every maneuver and operation that it might encounter during normal and special operations.

Source: www.cbp.gov

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CBP Orders Additional Aircraft

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has ordered eight additional American Eurocopter AS350 turbine helicopters to support its mission of protecting the nation’s borders. These new aircraft will join the CBP fleet that already includes 43 AS350s and 11 EC120s. The contract also includes options for additional AS350 B3 orders in the near future.

“The AStar 350s in our inventory have continued to perform well, providing proven, dependable service in Air & Marine’s Light Enforcement Helicopter role, and our Air Interdiction Agents are looking forward to flying the new dual hydraulic AStar 350 B3s which will enter operational service in our homeland security mission early next year,” explained Major General (Ret.) Michael Kostelnik, Assistant Commissioner, CBP Air and Marine.

Source: www.eurocopterusa.com

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Beijing Accepts Aircraft for Olympic Security

AgustaWestland handed over the keys of an AW109 and an AW139 to the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau at AgustaWestland's facility in Italy last month. These helicopters will perform law enforcement and security operations during the 2008 Olympic Games.

These deliveries strengthen the AW109 Power's position in the growing light twin Chinese market and mark the entrance of the AW139 in this market for law enforcement applications. AgustaWestland's range of law enforcement-configured helicopters has experienced increasing success in the Chinese market in recent years with various helicopter types selected to perform the most demanding missions. The AW109 Power has been operating in China since 2004 when the Shenzhen Police took delivery for its operations.

Source: www.agustausa.com

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Cayman Police Purchase Aircraft

The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) will take delivery of their new EC135 next month at a cost of approximately $1.8 million. For more than a year, the RCIPS has been using an aircraft from Cayman Helicopters in certain situations where air support was needed.

Emphasizing that the worldwide effectiveness of police air support was well documented, local police commissioner Kernohan said the RCIPS use of a law enforcement aircraft so far had demonstrated proven benefits in both the areas of public health and safety and law enforcement. Mr. Kernohan said the police helicopter would also play an important role in detecting illegal migrants and border protection. “The use of air support is only a part, but an important part, of our overall border control strategy linking in to use of our marine assets as well to help seal our borders,” he said.

The commissioner also said that police might still request the Cayman Helicopters aircraft for use after the new Eurocopter EC135 arrives for emergency circumstances.

Source: www.caymannetnews.com

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“Salute to Excellence” Nominations Open

The Helicopter Association International (HAI) is now accepting nominations for its 2008 “Salute to Excellence” awards, which will recognize all winners during HELI-EXPO 2008 in Houston, Texas. Every year, HAI presents 13 awards recognizing the outstanding achievement and contributions companies and individuals have made to advance the international helicopter community.

HAI encourages both members and nonmembers to submit a nomination form. All nominations for the 2008 awards must be received by October 3, 2007. For complete nomination instructions and details of the awards, please contact HAI’s Communications Department at 703-683-4646 or by email at rotor@rotor.com.

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Malaysian Police Enforce Illegal Logging

Sarawak Police Air Wing in Malaysia recently began using helicopters to detect illegal logging in the state. State Commissioner of Police DCP Datuk Talib Jamal said the use of the helicopters had been quite successful so far with 13 people arrested for illegal logging in the past month. Sarawak is Malaysia's largest state, endowed with a rich and diverse ecosystem. The police work closely with the Security and Asset Protection Unit (SAPU) of Sarawak Forestry to combat this illegal activity.

Source: www.thestar.com

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URS Awarded Completions Bid From Florida County

United Rotorcraft Solutions (URS) has been awarded the completions contract for a Eurocopter AS350 B2 for the Hillsborough County (FL) Sheriff’s Office (HCSO). It will include a Garmin GPS, Honeywell communications system and a Technisonic FM transceiver. All cockpit lighting and instrumentation will be NVG certified. Specific mission equipment to be installed is a FLIR 8500, Nightsun XP searchlight, BMS microwave system and an external rescue hoist. URS will also paint the aircraft’s exterior. The airframe is expected at the URS facility next month with delivery expected before year’s end.

Source: www.verticalmag.com

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Sheriff's Department Orders Aircraft

The Riverside County (CA) Sheriff's Department Air Unit has been flying three AS350 B3s and, last month, issued purchase orders for an additional model from American Eurocopter. The aircraft will be outfitted with Sagem Avionics' glass displays and NVG filters installed. The air unit also received approval to purchase a fifth aircraft next year.

Source: www.verticalmag.com

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SAPS Upgrades Helipads with Solar Lights

The South African Police Service (SAPS) is upgrading four SAPS helipads with wireless A704-5 solar-powered mobile helipad lights supplied by Carmanah Technology Corporation. With 26 helicopters in service, SAPS chose the mobile helipad lights for their compact, self-contained design. This allows the lights to be easily moved between locations and installed in minutes with no trenching or cabling required. Operating free from the electrical grid, there is also a feature that ensures continuous light output levels regardless of weather and solar conditions.

Source: www.solarairportlights.com

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Ohio County Upgrades R44 Aircraft

The Butler County (OH) Sheriff's Office traded in their 2001 model R44 for a new model, which arrived last month. Painted black and gold, the new R44 will additionally be contracted by the Ohio State Bureau of Criminal Investigation to patrol for illegal marijuana growing in the region.

"We have recovered quite a few victims that you would never have spotted on the ground," Deputy Mike Armocida said. "It is very effective and thanks to the marijuana eradication contract, we can run on-call assignments for free the rest of the year." Butler County is currently the only sheriff's office in the area with a helicopter and has been called 20 or 30 times by area agencies to help out with searches and operations.

Source: www.oxfordpress.com

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RAVEN Gets Needed Engine Upgrade

Washoe County (NV) Sheriff’s Office Regional Aviation Enforcement Unit's (RAVEN) Huey HH-1H helicopter was recently grounded for retrofit and installation of a new engine. The Board of County Commissioners last month approved the Sheriff's request for a Capital Improvement Project, which provides funding to purchase a rebuilt T-53-L-703 engine for the helicopter from Paravion Technology Inc.

RAVEN, established in 1997, has three helicopters used to chase suspects, perform search and rescue missions and law enforcement activities. Now, $250,000 is being sought to purchase a 369-gallon water tank with 30 gallons of fire suppressing foam capacity to help firefighters. The aircraft already are used as aerial observation platforms, using infrared equipment to isolate hot spots through heavy smoke. Adding water-dropping capability to one of the helicopters makes sense, officials agree.

Bill Avery, a professor at the University of Nevada and a volunteer firefighter, is among those leading the effort to convert the Vietnam-era helicopter into a firefighting asset. Avery said he's hopeful local corporations, individuals, governments and others will see the value of the idea and come up with the needed cash.

Source: http://news.rgj.com

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LAPD Purchases Second Hi-Def System

Axsys Technologies, Inc., the new owner of Cineflex Camera Systems LLC, announced that the Air Support Division of the Los Angeles Police Department has purchased its second high-definition v14 series camera system.

The Axsys v14 gyro-stabilized camera system provides the LAPD’s Air Support Division with the ability to conduct surveillance missions from high altitudes and long standoff distances. The system’s long focal length, combined with the integrated Sony HDC-1500 HD camera, captures 1080/60p images from thousands of feet in the air, allowing aircrews to determine, for example, not just that a suspect is holding an object in his hand, but whether it is a handgun or a cell phone. The unprecedented level of clarity and stability is ideal for law enforcement applications, allowing the Air Support Division to covertly survey targets from safe distances.

Source: www.axsys.com/fped  

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Dallas Airmotive Receives Humanitarian Award

The Dallas Area Chapter of the American Red Cross recognized ALEA Affiliate Member Dallas Airmotive for its employee and corporate support by presenting its 2007 Humanitarian Award to the company. Dallas Airmotive President and CEO Hugh McElroy accepted the honor on behalf of the company.

The award was given for Dallas Airmotive’s employee and company donations to Hurricane Katrina relief efforts, its ongoing support of the Ready When The Time Comes program, and for creating a corporate environment that fosters employee participation and support.

Source: www.dallasairmotive.com

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Met Police Unveil New Choppers

Three new EC145 aircraft went into service last month for the Metropolitan Police Air Support Unit in London. They will replace three AS355 “Squirrel” helicopters that they have been operating since 1993.

While the primary role of the new aircraft is surveillance, the inherent flexibility of its cabin, together with its payload/range performance and the role adaptable mission systems, will allow the aircraft to be capable of many other roles. The aircraft are outfitted with an advanced police communication suite, the integration of the Wescam MX-15 Electro Optic sensor, the SkyQuest touch screen video management system and the Gigawave digital video link, which means that the aircraft can operate as a very effective incident command and control platform.

Sergeant John Gleeson, Operations Manager for the Metropolitan Police Air Support Unit said that, "The whole back of the aircraft can be changed. Troop seats can go in the back so it can be ready for a whole new role. In 15 minutes, it can be 're-roled' for a different operational requirement.”

Source: www.lse.co.uk

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Special Enforcement Units Certify in Aircraft Maneuvers

Special weapons and tactics team members from law enforcement agencies in California’s Butte and Sutter County Sheriff’s Offices took to the air last month for helicopter training. Officers were simultaneously being hoisted in the air at the end of a 150-foot tether, clinging to the sides of a helicopter as it swooped over the water, or hunched over a stretcher, learning how to strap in a wounded victim for a quick extraction.

Members of special units must recertify in helicopter training annually by taking four rotations each in the toe-in maneuver and in short-haul insertion and extrication training. Officers from the Gridley-Biggs Police Department, Yuba City Police Department, California Department of Fish and Game, Butte County Interagency Narcotics Task Force and the Butte County Sheriff's Office detective division completed the training.

Source: www.orovillemr.com

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Safety Seminar Scheduled in Sacramento

Make plans now! The 2007 Western Region Safety Seminar will take place on September 19-21 at the Lion’s Gate Hotel (formerly McClellan Air Force Base) in Sacramento, CA. A two-day, California POST certified course on Aviation Human Factors will be taught by Craig Geis, as well as dunker training. You may book your rooms now at our host hotel by calling 916-643-6222. For more information, please contact Gregg Weitzman at gweitzman@alea.org.

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For rates and availability, contact:

Jennifer Thornton
ALEA Ad Sales Representative
Ph (918) 274-3874
Fax (918) 274-8450
E-mail: jthornton@alea.org 

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ALEA’s Monthly E-Newsletters are designed to help keep you informed on the very latest information in the airborne law enforcement industry.  Our E-Newsletters are distributed by email, as an additional benefit to our membership. Anyone may join our mailing list.
 

This newsletter is published monthly by the Airborne Law Enforcement Association (ALEA), a public benefit, non-profit California corporation. The ALEA is comprised of air crew and air support personnel in law enforcement and others who support, promote, and advance the safe and effective use of aircraft by law enforcement agencies.

© Copyright 2007 by the Airborne Law Enforcement Association. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this newsletter in whole or in part without written permission from the Editor is prohibited. Product and corporate names mentioned in this newsletter are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the ALEA.

Airborne Law Enforcement Association, Inc.
411 Aviation Way
Suite 200
Frederick, MD 21701
Phone (301) 631-2406
Fax (301) 631-2466