Durham Regional Police Service unveiled Air4, a new Airbus H125 helicopter. The aircraft is to be operated by the service’s Combined Air Support Unit and provide aerial support to frontline officers across Durham Region. DRPS says its planned uses include critical incidents, missing-person searches, major investigations, emergency responses and proactive policing.
The helicopter is equipped with thermal imaging, day-and-night camera systems, high-definition video, real-time video transmission, a high-intensity searchlight, mapping and situational-awareness tools, and a public-address system. Police say the aircraft can fly for up to 4.5 hours and travel at speeds of up to 250 kilometres per hour.
DRPS says Air4 will help officers locate missing and vulnerable people, track suspects and stolen vehicles, and support emergency operations. Chief Peter Moreira described the unveiling as an investment in public safety and credited provincial funding for the aircraft and the wider regional air-support model.
The aircraft was acquired through Ontario's investment in the Joint Air Support Unit, a partnership involving DRPS, Peel Regional Police, Halton Regional Police Service and Toronto Police Service. DRPS says the partners are working to establish coordinated aviation coverage across the Greater Toronto Area 24 hours a day, seven days a week; the release describes this as a model being built.
DRPS says eight full-time Tactical Flight Officers, supported by part-time officers, will work with civilian pilots and other aviation professionals. The Combined Air Support Unit brings together the service’s aviation and remotely piloted aircraft capabilities, including Air1, Air4, the Remotely Piloted Aircraft System program and its emerging Drone as First Responder program.
The announcement also included comments from Premier Doug Ford, who said the aircraft would support police and partner services with public-safety work, including locating vulnerable missing people and addressing vehicle theft. The police release says the provincial investment is intended to strengthen air support and emergency response across the region and partner jurisdictions.
Source: Durham Regional Police Service media releases — https://www.drps.ca/news/posts/drps-unveils-air4-strengthening-air-support-and-public-safety-across-durham-region-and-gta
