Feature News - Police Helicopter Program

At the Edmonton Police Commission’s April 17, 2008 public meeting, the Edmonton Police Service presented the recent successes of Air One (Edmonton’s police helicopter) and a strong business case for a second helicopter. To view the presentation, click here.

The Commission approved the following motions:

That the Commission approve, in principle, the purchase of a new helicopter; and that the Commission investigate options for funding the capital cost.

Since the police helicopter program’s introduction in 2001, Air One has responded to 8838 crimes in progress, has been directly responsible for arresting 953 criminals and managing 304 criminal flights. To view a summary of Air One’s performance statistics, click here.

Criminal flights and high speed criminal pursuits are dangerous for the community and the police. When they are managed by Air One, there is a less than two per cent chance of a collision and a 99.3 per cent apprehension rate. To view real-life examples of criminal pursuits managed by Air One, which all resulted in the suspects being apprehended by police, click the video links below:

Criminal Pursuit 1 · Criminal Pursuit 2 · Criminal Pursuit 3 · Criminal Pursuit 4 · Criminal Pursuit 5

About the Edmonton Police Commission

The Edmonton Police Commission is committed to making Edmonton a safe, vibrant city. As a civilian oversight body, the Commission is responsible for ensuring that the Edmonton Police Service provides effective, responsive and professional policing to the citizens of Edmonton.

Commissioners are appointed by City Council to govern policing in Edmonton. They set the strategic direction for policing in our community and monitor Edmonton Police Service’s budget and results.

The Commission supports police initiatives that are directed at preventing crime, maintaining social order, enforcing the law and ensuring public safety.

The public has a right to make compliments or complaints against police officers or policies of the Edmonton Police Service. The Commission receives these complaints and monitors the public complaint system.