10th Birthday for police helicopter (From Gazette Series)

10th Birthday for police helicopter

THE eye in the sky responsible for making more than 3,000 arrests and potentially saving the lives of almost 200 people is celebrating its tenth anniversary this week.

The police helicopter, official title The Western Counties Air Operations Unit, had an immediate impact on crime when it was launched in September 1995 and has spent 9,665 hours patrolling Gloucestershire, Avon and Somerset.

In marking its first decade the police helicopter is celebrating helping to find 232 missing people and recovering millions of pounds worth of stolen property.

"The success of the police helicopter has been remarkable and the word that there is nowhere to hide has quickly spread around the criminal fraternity," said Air Operations Inspector Nigel Tinsley-Such, who is responsible for the unit.

"The aircraft is used to search for missing people and to help tackle vehicle related crime, burglaries and public order situations. It has been fundamental for emergency casualty evacuations and has no doubt been responsible for saving hundreds of lives since it came into service," he added.

"Such is the impact the helicopter has had on people's lives, we regularly receive donations from individuals and letters of thanks from people who have had a first hand experience of the aircraft."

The helicopter, based at Filton Airport, is equipped with thermal imaging equipment, which can save hours and lives when looking for missing people, and a downlink video system which relays instant pictures into control rooms.

Three pilots and ten observers, all of whom are regular officers from Gloucestershire Constabulary and Avon and Somerset Constabulary, ensure the helicopter can be airborne in a matter of minutes.

During the past decade the aircraft and its crew have been responsible for 291 arrests and assisted in a further 289 arrests in Gloucestershire alone.

Insp Tinsley-Such added: "During the last ten years the helicopter has dealt with more than 23,000 tasks and spent 9,665 hours airborne.

"It is a valuable resource which has proved itself both as a lifesaver and crime fighter.

"The helicopter has been solely responsible for recovering £1.1 million worth of stolen vehicles and plant machinery and stopped ram raids with thieves knowing they have nowhere to hide."

The anniversary was celebrated on Sunday, September 25 by former crew members, HM Coastguard, Avon Ambulance Service and Mendip Search