ALEA’s E-Newsletter is designed to help keep you informed on the very latest information in the airborne law enforcement industry.

Texas Agency Accepts New Aircraft To Fleet

At a ceremony held last month, American Eurocopter delivered an EC145 to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). It is the first EC145 for the department and it will complement a fleet that already includes 13 Eurocopter AS 350 helicopters.

Marc Paganini, President and CEO of American Eurocopter, was on hand to deliver the keys to Colonel Stan Clark, director of the Texas Department of Public Safety (pictured). “We are honored that the Texas DPS continues to choose our helicopters to expand its fleet and to perform their missions,” said Paganini. “Our relationship with the department spans over 20 years and this EC145 will usher in a new era and will allow them to expand their level of service throughout the state.”

The new EC145 will provide the Texas DPS with a larger, faster and more powerful helicopter that will allow them to expand the support of their aerial unit. The aircraft is expected to perform a variety of missions including law enforcement, search and rescue, fire suppression, public safety as well as support during tactical operations.

Source: American Eurocopter

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Students Produce TV Show for Sheriff's Office

The Marion County (FL) Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit helicopter buzzed over Vanguard High School while television production teacher Marc Rice and three students began filming part of an episode of "It's Your Sheriff's Office" last month. Through a new partnership with the Sheriff's Office, Vanguard High School television production students are now filming and producing a 30-minute public cable access program that was once cancelled in 2007 due to funding shortages.

Sheriff's spokesman Capt. Jimmy Pogue said the first student-produced episode would air in 2009. Pogue is hoping the students can eventually produce quarterly programs that will save taxpayers $1,600 per episode, the amount the agency once paid a commercial video production company. In return, the high school students get filming and production experience, including visits from SWAT teams and helicopter crewmembers. "The students are doing well (on the first episode) based on what I've seen so far," said Sheriff Ed Dean. "I think it's wonderful that we are engaging high school students to help tell our story."

Source: www.ocala.com

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Troopers Issue Nearly 1,500 Traffic Citations

A four-week enforcement effort by the Pennsylvania State Police to reduce aggressive driving netted 1,498 traffic citations and 730 written warnings, which was reported last month. Citations and warnings were issued as part of the Ticketing Aggressive Cars and Trucks campaign, or TACT, which also included a public awareness and education component.

During TACT, state police used marked and unmarked patrol vehicles and fixed-wing aircraft as part of the enforcement effort. TACT was sponsored by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, an organization whose membership includes law enforcement officials, truck and bus companies, industry associations and insurance companies in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
More information about the organization is available at www.cvsa.org.

Source: Pennsylvania State Police Department

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Man Spared Jail Over Laser Pen Blinding of Pilot

A young man who shone a laser pen into the eyes of a Portsmouth, UK police pilot in June 2008 was told by a judge last month that it was a 'stupid' thing to do. The laser temporarily blinded the pilot who was forced to climb rapidly to a higher altitude. The observer officer used the aircraft's infrared equipment to search the area for the source of the beam. The aircrew then contacted police on the ground who then arrested the 20-year-old man.

In court, the man admitted an offense of endangering an aircraft under the provisions of the Air Navigation Order 2005. He was, however, spared jail by the judge and given a six-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months.

The judge said the man avoided jail because he hadn't realized the potential consequences of his actions. "This young man was deeply shocked and is now aware of the potential impact of what could have been catastrophic. What he did was very dangerous," the judge stated. "The courts of this country are not in the habit, and I hope never will be in the habit, of sending young men to prison for doing something stupid but devoid of malice or any intention to do harm. You don't need me to tell you how stupidly you behaved."

Source: www.portsmouth.co.uk

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As part of Spokane County, Washington's budget cuts for next year, the sheriff slashed the department's helicopter program to save money. The helicopter costs the department $430 an hour to run, as well as maintenance and inspection costs. The flight crews are volunteers, and they hope there is a way around this cut.

The current aircraft has been in operation for four years and used for SAR, law enforcement and fire suppression. The officers credit the aircraft for saving lives, something they say you just can't put a price on.

Source: www.nwcn.com

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Three UK Agencies Share New Aircraft

The Chiltern Air Support Unit used by United Kingdom police in the areas of Herts, Beds and Thames Valley will take delivery of a new Eurocopter EC135P2 in 2010.

The new aircraft will replace the current EC135T1. Chiltern Air Support Unit executive officer Doug Mackay said, "The new aircraft will have the latest onboard equipment to further enhance the vital crime fighting and life saving role currently performed by the existing helicopter. Aside from the humane aspect of assisting the public, often in times of extreme need or danger, the use of the helicopter has long since been proven to be financially viable.

Last year, the two helicopters currently used by the three police forces attended to 5,634 incidents, helped to make 868 arrests and recover nearly $3 million of property in addition to air lifting 39 people to area hospitals.

SOURCE: www.royston-crow.co.uk

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Police of India Lease Aircraft

Mumbai's police department is getting two helicopters on lease so that it can beef up its anti-terror operations and rush or airdrop commandos in case of an attack. "We want our response time to be as early as three minutes,'' police commissioner Hasan Gafoor said last month to reporters. Mumbai, formerly Bombay, is the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra and the financial capital of India. With a population of approximately 13,000,000, it is the second most populous city in the world.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com 

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Omaha Police Put Customized Aircraft Into Service

United Rotorcraft Solutions (URS) delivered the second new Bell 206B-3 to the Omaha (KS) Police Department last month. URS customized the aircraft with the specified mission equipment that included the Spectrolab SX16 Nightsun and the L-3/Wescam 12DS200 camera (both on Meeker mounts), rappelling kit, Paravion monitor and mount and the AeroComputers Moving Map and Digital Recorder. Integration of the Garmin avionics and communication suite along with the Technisonic TDFM-7000 FM Transceiver was also completed. A Paravion air conditioner was installed and the exterior paint scheme was customized.

The Omaha Police Department launched their helicopter program, called "Able-1", in 1997. The helicopter is considered by the City to be an extremely valuable tool in the fight against crime and these new aircraft will increase the fleet to four.

Source: United Rotorcraft Solutions

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Estonia Orders A Third AW139 Helicopter

In December, the Government of Estonia gave approval for the Ministry of the Interior of Estonia to sign a contract with AgustaWestland for the purchase of a third AW139 helicopter. This aircraft will be delivered in the last quarter 2010 and operated by the Border Guard to perform search and rescue, medical evacuation and border patrol duties. This third AW139 will eventually be based in the western area of Estonia. Meanwhile, the second AW139 was delivered last month and will be based in Tallinn together with the first aircraft.

These helicopters will ensure that the work of guarding the external borders and the border control infrastructure are in compliance with the European Schengen zone requirements. Since the start of operations in October 2007, the first Estonian Border Guard AW139 has successfully accomplished a number of search and rescue and patrol missions in demanding conditions, dramatically enhancing operational effectiveness and border security.

Source: AgustaWestland

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Eurocopter’s Flight Simulator is Operational

American Eurocopter’s first full motion EC135/EC145 flight training device (FTD) is operational at the company’s training facility in Grand Prairie, TX. The FTD has day, night, IFR and NVG capabilities and offers customers a safe and effective way to achieve a variety of training including advanced mission-based training scenarios.

The FTD has the OEM simulation data package on a full-scale replica of the EC135. The cockpit utilizes interchangeable panels to achieve a high degree of similarity between the FTD and the actual aircrafts. “This is a tremendous milestone for our company and for our training department,” said Marc Paganini, President and CEO of American Eurocopter. “Our customers operating EC135s and EC145s now have an economical, high-tech alternative to train their pilots. This demonstrates the strategy and commitment of the Eurocopter Group to provide its customers with state-of-the-art training worldwide.”

American Eurocopter is in the process of becoming an FAA Part 142 training facility, which will further serve its customers by allowing them to incorporate simulator training as an integral part of their operational programs. Paganini explains, “Eurocopter is deploying more and more training capabilities worldwide, close to its customers, in order to improve safety as well as reduce operational and training costs.”

Source: American Eurocopter

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State Police Helicopters Rescue Injured Hunter

Two state police helicopters rescued a trapped and injured hunter in Allegany County, MD last month. Trooper 5 reached an isolated area where a hunter slipped on ice and fell more than 20 feet into an isolated ravine. Two members of the Allegany County High Rise Aerial Team (HEAT) were also aboard Trooper 5 to assist with a potential hoist operation. Trooper 3 responded from Frederick, MD to provide support.

While the pilot, S. R. Russell, hovered over the scene, flight paramedic Trooper First Class L. P. Shank lowered the two HEAT members to the ground, where they prepared the 60-year-old man for transport. The crew raised the injured man into the helicopter and took him to a field, where Trooper 3 stood by for hospital transport. According to state police, the man was last listed in stable condition.

Source: www.wbaltv.com/news/18276863/detail.html

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Bavaria Focuses on Advanced Aerial Policing Needs

The Bavarian Ministry of the Interior is acquiring eight EC135 P2s for the Bavarian Police Helicopter Squadron. Slated for delivery between September 2009 and April 2010, the EC135’s police-specific equipment includes a FLIR camera, a high-resolution digital day and night vision camera, Satcom, GPS, a digital map device, Tetra digital radio, FLARM collision warning system, a tactical direction finder, a digital flight management system and a GSM telephone.

Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann said last month, "In the 1970s, police helicopters were used only for traffic monitoring. Since then, they have adopted a variety of other tasks, including crime fighting, missing persons searches, support in disaster relief missions, and the handling of special traffic and mission situations. Our police helicopter squadron is in service 24 hours a day and requires the best equipment available to support its work."

Herrmann says the P2s are suitable for operation under IFR and are fitted with glass cockpits approved for operations with night vision goggles. A rescue hoist, an external load hook system and four rescue winches are also part of the contract.

Source: www.ebanmagazine.com

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Aviation Unit May Reduce Hours To Save Money

Officials at the Mesa (AZ) Police Department have proposed to cut staffing levels by 19 sworn positions and employ new efficiencies to deal with the city's projected $62 million budget gap over the next 19 months.

Though the department's aviation surveillance is critical in a city that encompasses 134 square miles, officials said recently that the number of in-flight hours could probably be cut without harming the unit's effectiveness. The chief of police encouraged the city to work toward a regional aviation program that could result in a savings by area police departments sharing responsibilities and costs.

Mesa Police helicopters currently average 10 flight hours a day, seven days per week, and answer an average of 48 calls each day. If the helicopter is in the air, the average response time to a scene is 54 seconds.

Source: www.azcentral.com  

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HAI Announces Recipient of the 2009 MD Helicopters Law Enforcement Award

Last month, HAI announced that the 2009 MD Helicopters Law Enforcement Award recipient is the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department in Modesto, CA.

In September 2008, Air 101, a Bell 206 helicopter of the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department was conducting a routine patrol when it was notified of a man in a roadway beating an infant. The unit decided to intervene directly. The pilot, Deputy Rob Latapie, made the decision to conduct a landing in a cow pasture near the roadway. Officer Jerry Ramar, a tactical flight officer, immediately exited the helicopter and ran to the roadway to confront the man. The actions of the crew, combined with the unique capabilities of the helicopter, provided an early conclusion to this mission.

Latapie has been with the Department’s Air Unit for almost 13 years and is chief pilot. Trained by Bell Helicopter in four different aircraft, he has been a pilot for more than 20 years and has over 5,000 accident-free flying hours. He has won the Attorney General’s Award for finding two children taken in a stolen vehicle. Officer Ramar has been with the Modesto Police Department for nearly six years and is assigned to the Street Crimes Unit focusing on gangs. He has been in the Air Support Unit for two years.

HAI congratulates Flight Crew Air 101 of the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department for their contribution to the advancement of the crime-suppression concept of helicopter patrol service to ensure public safety.

All winners will be recognized at HELI-EXPO 2009’s annual “Salute to Excellence” Awards Banquet on February 23, 2009 in Anaheim, California. For more information on HELI-EXPO 2009, visit www.heliexpo.com.

Source: HAI

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New Sheriff Takes Oath in Helicopter

The newly elected sheriff of Portage County (OH) took his oath of office in a high-flying ceremony aboard a helicopter last month. David W. Doak is a licensed helicopter pilot and Air Force veteran of Vietnam. Doak completed law enforcement training at the Ohio State Patrol Academy and has outstanding credentials in police supervision and community service. He worked 12 years for the Portage County sheriff and has a total of 38 years in law enforcement, including 18 years with the Kent City Police Department. He said the idea of taking his oath in the air struck him as unique.

Source: www.wkyc.com 

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Last Chance to Sign Up For Southeast Region Safety Seminar

The Alachua County (FL) Sheriff’s Office and the Gainesville (FL) Police Joint Aviation Unit will host the 2009 ALEA Southeast Region Safety Seminar at the Hilton University of Florida Conference Center on February 2-4, 2009.

Join your fellow airborne law enforcement professionals for two days of education and networking in Gainesville, FL. Among classes being held will be accident response planning, critical infrastructure patrol, fuel safety, safety management systems, sleep deprivation, spatial disorientation/vertigo and water survival training.

Don’t delay. Register now at www.alea.org/public/seminars/ or call 301-631-2406 for information. For driving directions, please contact Chief Pilot Richard Bray at 352-334-3362.

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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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Send your press releases, company logos and photos to:

Lisa Wright
Editorial Director
airbeat@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.

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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.

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