June 2006

Airborne Law Enforcement Association, Inc.

ALEA  E-Newsletter

[Advertisement]

Washington Police Take Delivery of New Aircraft

The Washington DC Metropolitan Police Department (MPDC) has received and deployed its second American Eurocopter AS350 B3, doubling the fleet keeping an airborne eye on the nation’s capital.

“We already had a single B3 being used by our Air Support Division,” says MPDC Captain Brian Bray. “It’s been the core of our unit since we were reactivated in February 2001. We’re primarily using our B3s in support of our officers on the ground. We also use our aircraft for aerial surveillance, photo missions, tactical operations and vehicle pursuit management.”

The MPDC Air Support Unit is also using its B3s to monitor demonstrations and to help police apprehend the small minority of participants who choose to become violent. To do its job 24/7, the B3 has been equipped with a FLIR infrared camera and Nightsun spotlight. “There’s no way officers on the ground can see everything that’s going on in a crowd,” Captain Bray says. “But our airborne eyes can, allowing us to do our job in protecting people and property.”

Source:  American Eurocopter

[TOP]

[Advertisement]

CHP and Sacramento Move Into New Aviation Facility

The California Highway Patrol and the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office aviation units moved into a new 24,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art aviation facility called the High Desert Law Enforcement Aviation Center last month. Ground was broken originally on the project in 1999 but was discontinued for lack of funding.

"We've been the wandering unit," CHP Chief John Fogerty said. "We are so glad to be here. It's been a long time coming." The cost of the project worked out to roughly $3 million, with both the county and the CHP paying a share.

For the Sheriff's Office, the hangar will become a satellite office where one of its new Eurocopter A-Star helicopters will be based. For the CHP, it's the main base for its two helicopters and two Cessnas that serve 44,000 square miles stretching from Riverside County north to the Sierra Nevada and to the borders with Arizona and Nevada.

Source:  San Bernardino Sun

[TOP]

[Advertisement]

Washington State Patrol Eyes Get Sharper

With a $1 million grant from the Defense Department, the Washington State Patrol has been able to outfit two of its planes with new camera and FLIR systems. A microwave component allows long-range antennae to download images directly from the camera in real time. The grant also allowed the State Patrol to buy four portable receivers with screens.

Lt. Tristan Atkins with the aviation section said the camera equipment on the planes has already proved its value. It has allowed troopers in the sky to better assess traffic accidents and get help more quickly to disabled vehicles. And it has been used in criminal investigations and tactical operations.

Source:  The News Tribune

[TOP]

[Advertisement]

Fireworks Launched at Police Helicopter

While a Orange County (FL) Sheriff’s Office helicopter was searching for a car theft suspect last month, a resident got angry that the helicopter was flying over her house and shot fireworks at the aircraft. The pilot of the helicopter, Mike Umbarger, said the flight pattern was never in jeopardy but launching the flammables into the air had the potential to spook anyone flying an aircraft in the area.

When ground crews arrived at the resident’s house, officers allegedly caught the woman in the act of a second bottle rocket launch at the helicopter. The 44-year-old is now facing a felony charge of shooting or throwing a deadly missile at the aircraft.

Source:  WKMG-TV

[TOP]

[Advertisement]

County Approves $3 million for New Sheriff's Helicopter

The Seminole County (FL) Sheriff’s Office took its aging UH-1 helicopter out of service after discovering it would be too expensive to fix several defects found near the engine. The Huey had operated as Air Rescue 3 since 1999 to fly injured people to hospitals and to combat brush fires. The Seminole County Sheriff’s Office and the Seminole County Department of Public Safety had operated the aircraft jointly.

The Seminole County commissioners last month approved $3 million for the purchase of a new helicopter for the Sheriff's Office. The first $1.25 million will come from a Sheriff's Office reserve account. The remainder will come from the county's general fund to be reimbursed by the Sheriff's Office.

Source:  Orlando Sentinel

[TOP]

[Advertisement]

Alabama and Florida Counties Jointly Take Possession of Surplus Aircraft

Conecuh County (AL) and Escambia County (FL) Sheriff's Offices put an OH-58 helicopter in service last month through a federal surplus program. It will be used by the Emergency Management Agencies from both counties. The title is registered to the Conecuh County Sheriff's Department under the Conecuh and Escambia Aviation Division.

Commissioners from both counties hope that airborne support will help to alleviate illegal dumping and be able to conduct emergency disaster search and rescues, drug eradication, aerial surveillance and general patrolling.

“Once you get up there, you can see why the helicopter would be a good resource for finding things,” Escambia County Chairman David Stokes said. “This is a can't-miss opportunity, as it offers two counties the opportunity to utilize the services that we asked for and need.”

Source:  The Brewton Standard

[TOP]

Helicopter Donated to Kentucky Agency

The Army National Guard has donated a refurbished Bell OH-58C helicopter to Lexington (KY) Police Air Support. "The aircraft will enable police to cover more ground more quickly and can do the work of 10 officers in search and rescue operations," said Air Support Unit Coordinator Don Evans.

The Lexington Police Department has four licensed helicopter pilots among its sworn officers. This will be the first aircraft for the police department and is an important asset for Lexington. "Fayette County contains 284 square miles of land area, and a helicopter is a valuable tool in our police department's arsenal to protect the community," said 12th District Councilman Ed Lane.

The helicopter will be used in traffic command and control for special events, as well as to assist in programs such as Project LifeSaver, a program that uses technology to monitor and help track Alzheimer's and dementia patients who have become disoriented and wandered off.

Source:  Lexington Herald - Leader

[TOP]

Wilmington Police Soon To Be Airborne
 

Source:  WWAY-TV

[TOP]

Lee County Sheriff’s Office Acquire Two Aircraft

With $700,000 of funding approved recently, the Lee County (FL) Sheriff’s Office has been able to purchase two used A-Star 350s. Both the 1990 and 1991 models were put into service last month after being outfitted with Avalex moving map systems, FLIR 7500 with lasers, Nitesuns, and Techsonic tactical radios. Both aircraft received a new paint scheme as well. “This is something we’ve worked on for a long time, and we’re very excited to have both aircraft in service,” said Pilot Robert Roper of LCSO.

Source:  NBC2 News

[TOP]

Malaysia Shops for New Helicopters

The Malaysian Police Department is looking to acquire eight additional helicopters and seven fixed-wing aircraft. The police department has been allocated $165 million in their five-year budget, fully meeting the department’s request for 15 aircraft.

The Malaysian Police currently operates several Eurocopter AS355 Squirrels for surveillance and patrol missions, but has been looking to introduce medium-sized 10-seat helicopters to transport SWAT teams and bolster its anti-terrorist capability. The agency is also looking to bolster its fixed-wing fleet, which includes several Pilatus PC-6s and Cessna Caravans, for transport and patrol missions. A request for proposals is expected to be issued within the next few months.

Source:  AvBuyer

[TOP]

Shortly after taking office last year, Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels said the state would inventory its assets and sell items that it no longer needs.

The State of Indiana’s Department of Administration, on behalf of the Indiana State Police is selling three aircraft: a 1985 MD500E with a minimum bid of $250,000; a 1972 Bell OH-58 with a minimum bid of $110,000; and a 1972 Beech Baron twin-engine airplane with a minimum bid of $60,000.

The notice for bidding was published on May 15 for bids to be completed by May 25. More information can be obtained at www.surplus.IN.gov.

Source:  Indianapolis Star

[TOP]

The Citrus County (FL) Sheriff’s Office has purchased a new $2.4 million AS350B3, made possible by trading in two of their existing helicopters for $518,000. The remaining amount, after an $117,085 down payment, will be financed through a $1.8-million loan. The 10-year debt service, Citrus County Sheriff Jeff Dawsy explained, will be incorporated within the agency's budget and will not require any additional county funds.

The helicopter is expected to arrive in July. Until then, the Sheriff's Office has one helicopter on backup, and the Division of Forestry has a fire-fighting helicopter on standby in a neighboring county.

With all of its technological advances and superior mechanical attributes, Sheriff Dawsy said the purchase will move Citrus County into the modern era of aviation and will serve his community and neighboring counties for many years to come.

Source:  St. Petersburg Times

[TOP]

AgustaWestland To Help Secure 2008 Olympic Games

During the 2006 China International Exhibition on Police Equipment in Beijing last month, the Ministry of Public Security in China announced that four helicopters would soon join the Beijing Police to improve its airborne law enforcement capability and to ensure a safe 2008 Olympic Games.

Contracts will be signed soon between the Beijing Public Security Bureau and AgustaWestland for the four aircraft. To demonstrate that the company wants to be part of the upcoming Olympic Games, Agusta agreed to give the fourth helicopter free of charge. The first helicopter will be handed over to the Beijing Police next April, and the others will arrive by the end October 2007, according to Agusta.

Source:  China Daily

[TOP]

Register Now for ALEA’s 36th Annual Conference & Exposition

Our 36th Annual Conference & Exposition, July 19 – 22, 2006 in New Orleans, LA, is quickly approaching. Visit our website for a complete listing of Pre-Conference Courses, Conference Classes, exhibitors, housing info, and events, and to register. Laissez les bon temps roulez…Let the good times roll.

[TOP]

‘Catch A Coin’ at ALEA’s Expo Hall Preview

At this year’s conference in New Orleans, please join us on Wednesday evening to meet and mingle with other attendees and exhibitors in the Exposition Hall. From the ribbon cutting marking the opening of the hall at 4:00 pm until the announcement of prize winners around 6:45 pm, this event is guaranteed to be full of excitement. You’ll completely flip over this year’s “coin toss” where many exhibitors will be distributing doubloons to attendees that visit their booth. Winning coins will receive cash and fabulous prizes. Come early to increase your chances of winning. Bus transportation to Bell’s Opening Reception will be provided from the Expo Hall following the Preview. See you all there!

[TOP]

Attention ALEA Conference Exhibitors

This is your last reminder to send information for ALEA’s onsite daily conference newsletter, Air Beat Today. We will publish three on-site editions during the conference --- one will be distributed during the Expo Hall Preview on Wednesday evening; the second edition on Thursday morning following the Opening Breakfast; and a third edition on Friday morning.

If you would like to be included in Air Beat Today, it is VERY important that you provide us with information or photos about your company’s products or services with special emphasis on what you will be featuring at this year’s ALEA Conference & Expo. You may provide us with 50-100 words of text and one photo. The final deadline is June 30. Please email materials or questions to airbeat@alea.org.

[TOP]

Genesis 3 Engineering will be hosting the 2006 ALEA Golf Outing to be held at the English Turn Golf & Country Club, Wednesday, July 19, 2006. All attendees and exhibitors are invited to participate. $150 per person includes cart and the awards luncheon. Registration begins at 7 a.m. and shotgun starts at 8 a.m. This outing is limited to 144 golfers, so register online now or contact Genesis 3 Engineering at 719-687-4816 x 108.

[TOP]

For rates and availability, contact:

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

Get Your Organization's News Online

Send your press releases, company logos and photos to:

Lisa Wright
Editorial Director
airbeat@alea.org

Join Our Mailing List

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 2006 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