Australian Police

Australian Police

The Thin Blue Line – Australian Police

Police air wing

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Providing support to police during many operations and to the community in often difficult and dangerous emergency situations, the Police Air Wing has and integral role in the policing strategies of the New South Wales Police Force.

The New South Wales Police Air Wing provides an aerial support service over a range of diverse operational tasks, at the Region and Patrol level, including search and rescue.

Working closely with other emergency organizations and rescue agencies, the Police Air Wing also provides the community with a wide ranging service providing assistance during natural disasters such as bushfires and floods and providing emergency assistance when people are lost or injured in remote places inaccessible by other means.

The New South Wales Police Air Wing was first formed in 1978, operating with three pilots and five observers. The helicopters used at that time were hired from other departments and corporations such as the Roads 8: Traffic Authority and the Electricity Commission. By 1979, however, the Air Wing was in possession of its own three Bell 206 Jet ranger Helicopters with the names Polair l, 2 and 3.

The Air Wings initial role was to assist police in the crackdown on armed hold-ups in banks, but the helicopters and their highly trained pilots also proved invaluable in search and rescue operations; fire control; searches for offenders; pollution control; flood assistance; and searches for missing aircraft, marine vessels and stolen vehicles. The helicopters are very adaptable machines with the ability to carry both a patient on a stretcher and a paramedic or doctor if necessary. Our helicopters have provided the NSW Police Force with immense operational support, clocking up over 12,000 hours of flying time on two machines and over 14,000 hours on the third.

Some of the wider range of responsibilities of the Police Air Wing include:

  • undertaking specific directed aerial patrols aerial surveillance and photography to assist police uncover criminal activity such as drug plantations; locate prison escapees and stolen vehicles; and record crime scenes
  • assisting in search and rescue
  • providing transportation in support of major police operations and in support of other emergency groups in disaster situations
  • providing police reports on fires, floods and traffic

The Air Wing helicopters operate with some advanced technology including: 30 million candle power Nite-sun searchlights; stabilised day/night binoculars; forward looking infrared; advanced photographic equipment; external winch and cargo hook; Digital Voice Protection secure communications; Radio Direction Finding System; and GPS (Global Positioning System) Satellite Navigation System. The Air Wing employs 30 police staff and is under the command of a Chief Inspector.

2 thoughts on “Police air wing

  • Jacqui James

    Hi. My father was a pilot for the police air wing back around the early 80s maybe 81-85ish? I’m not 100% certain but I am trying to get in touch with him.. His name was Jeffrey Lance James, better know as Jesse from memory.. I recall being at the air wing numerous times as a small child.. I’m hoping you may be able to provide me with any information please?

    Reply
    • Hi Jacqui

      I have sent out a message to those on the FB Group, asking if anyone knows of your father.
      When / if I receive a reply, I will let you know.

      How long have you been estranged from your dad?

      Cal

      Reply

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