AERIAL SUPPORT UNIT
The RPS Aerial Support Unit (ASU) is an invaluable tool that enhances public and officer safety. Since early 2023, the team has been working closely with Patrol and other investigative units like the Stolen Auto Unit to reduce crime and victimization in our city.
The Team
The ASU team has six members – two pilots and four Tactical Flight Officers (TFO). The pilots are trained RPS officers with commercial pilot licenses. The Tactical Flight Officers (TFO) are also trained RPS officers and are responsible for monitoring the police radio, the camera technology and communicating with police units on the ground. Each shift, the plane is operated by one pilot and one TFO.
The Technology
The aircraft is a 2005 Cessna 182T outfitted with a wide-angle, infrared camera. This incredible technology allows our officers to “get eyes” on a crime in progress within seconds. Because of the infrared technology, the camera system is effective at night as well
Officer Safety
The ASU flight crews can guide ground units into a scene and provide information to responding officers about suspect location and other hidden dangers. The ASU can also maintain a constant view of an area or building and alert responding officers of new information. While a lot of what the ASU does is criminal apprehension, it is also a key resource in locating vulnerable people in our city and beyond.Frequently Asked Questions
How often are you in the air?
We follow a shift pattern that aligns with our patrol shifts. There are two ASU teams. Each consists of a Pilot and two Tactical Flight Officers (TFO). One TFO is in the aircraft and the second is working in a patrol car as a backup if needed.
Do you stay up an entire 12 hour shift? Do you take off and land multiple times?
The aircraft is able to stay up in the air for up to seven hours before refueling. Typically, the officers break that seven hours into two flights per shift depending on what they are investigating. One other factor that needs to be considered in the weather. Certain factors like fog, thick clouds and storms of any type hinder our ability to fly safely.
What is the benefit to public safety?
The Air Support Unit is able to address crimes in progress by quickly locating the suspects(s) and directing patrol units to make an arrest. This reduces further victimization.
The Air Support Unit is also able to provide city-wide police coverage from a unique vantage point and can help locate missing and/or vulnerable persons.
What is the benefit to officer safety?
The benefits to Officer safety are many including: increased accuracy in knowing who is involved in an incident, where the suspects are hiding and if they have any weapons. This allows RPS to respond with the appropriate number of officers with the appropriate tools and training.
Will you assist other agencies outside Regina? Do they pay RPS? How much per “callout”?
Yes. We will respond to outside requests whenever we are able. There is associated cost protocol in place that is based on best practice of other police agencies.
How safe is it for birds?
To date there have been no incidents reported. Pilots work actively to avoid birds as they are also a safety risk to the flight crew on an aircraft should they come into contact with the aircraft.
Why is it so noisy?
The RPS has taken extra measures to reduce the noise associated with the aircraft. In addition to flying higher than required, the aircraft has been outfitted with a special muffler system designed to reduce noise.
How long will this plane last before it needs to be replaced?
With proper maintenance we anticipate the aircraft to last 10-15 years.
Who flies the plane? Why does it have to be a police officer?
Having sworn officers trained as pilots flying the aircraft ensures that necessary and relevant information is relayed to officers on the ground. The TFO is completely focused on their job monitoring the radio and the camera technology so it is important that the pilot understand investigative techniques and other nuances of policing.
How many police officers are in the plane at one time? What do they do?
There are two ASU teams/shifts. Each team consists of a Pilot and two TFOs. One TFO is in the aircraft and the second is working in a patrol car as a backup if needed.
Why do you fly in circles over my house?
The aircraft only circles a specific area when police are involved in an investigation in that area. The placement of the camera on the aircraft requires a circular flight pattern.
Can you see into my house/vehicle?
No we can not. While the technology is quite impressive, it is not able to see through walls/doors/roofs of homes or vehicles.
Do you record everything while flying? Is that an invasion of privacy?
We only record when involved on a call for service/investigation.
How can you see at night?
Yes, we can see at night. The technology on the aircraft is highly specialized and includes the ability to use thermal imaging which assists in night-time work.
Is it really necessary?
The types of crimes we are dealing with in Regina are changing. An increase in the use of firearms in crimes being committed affects officer and public safety. The ASU provides not only increased public safety/officer through efficiency of response but also in the ability to stop crimes in progress, essentially reducing further victimization. It also allows our officers to respond to the call with the appropriate tools and techniques – resulting in increased officer safety.
Why not a drone?
Drones are limited in what they can do. From flight time/battery life to line of sight in a dynamic environment, there are several reasons that drones are not suitable for the work we do. There are also specific regulations related to drones that make them less versatile/effective than our aircraft.
Why not a helicopter?
Helicopters are approximately five times more expensive than the current fixed wing aircraft we use. They are also noisier, are unable to stay up over an area for hours at a time (like our aircraft) and require more ongoing maintenance.
What has the aircraft been used for the most since it started flying?
The ASU has assisted in a variety of calls for service since it launched: break and enters, robberies, stolen vehicles, suspects evading police, missing person cases, assaults and assisting other agencies.
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