Winnipeg Police Service News Release:

Thursday, June 28, 2012     Winnipeg Police Service Flight Operations Unit responds to 1972 incidents in first year of operation   AIR1 involvement results in 127 arrests   Winnipeg, MB. – The Winnipeg Police Service Flight Operations Unit responded to 1972 incidents in its first year of operation, resulting in 127 arrests by ground patrol units.   Dispatched as the prime unit 652 times, AIR1 assisted with traffic stops, break and enter, robbery and assault incidents, to name a few.   The Winnipeg Police Service Flight Operations Unit became operational in February 2011, supporting all operational and investigative Service units in the detection of criminal acts and the apprehension of suspects. The Unit consists of nine members; a Chief Pilot, two Line Pilots, four Tactical Flight Officers, a Patrol Sergeant (Unit Manager) and an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer.   Below is a YouTube video link highlighting various incidents involving Air1.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-XglQ5i3XA   In 2011, video footage gathered by AIR1 was used to assess the impacts of flooding along the Red and Assiniboine Rivers within the City of Winnipeg during the 2011 flood.   The Flight Operations Unit also provided assistance to outside agencies including the RCMP, Manitoba Search and Rescue, the Province of Manitoba Emergency Measures and the Manitoba Finance Special Investigations Unit.   The Flight Operations Unit is available to fly 1000 hours a year, providing assistance with the following, weather permitting:   ·        response to crimes in progress for aerial containment and investigation ·        infrared searches for suspects and evidence, and co-ordination of ground response ·        tracking and surveillance of suspect vehicles during police pursuits and subsequent co-ordination of ground resources ·        illumination of crime scenes, collision scenes, vehicle stops, search areas, disturbances, and foot pursuits ·        aerial searches for missing or lost persons ·        aerial reconnaissance and photography or videotaping of crime scenes, traffic collisions, high-risk incidents or remote areas ·        aerial platform for Emergency Services for major fires, environmental disasters, or other major incidents ·        Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) scans to provide evidence of illegal grow operations relating to drug investigations   To review the 2011 Flight Operations Unit Annual Report, refer to the link below:   http://www.winnipeg.ca/police/press/docs/flight_operations_report.pdf     - 30 -         For further information contact either: Patrol Sgt. Monica Stothers, Public Information Officer Constable Jason Michalyshen, Public Information Officer Office: (204)986-3061 Fax: (204) 986-3267 Email: WPS-PIO@Winnipeg.ca   Web: www.winnipeg.ca/Police

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