Considered a patrol car in the sky, the EPS Filght Operations Unit can dart across Edmonton in seconds offering their partners on the ground police back-up.
The flight crew safeguards both ground officers and the public by safely managing pursuits and assisting police members with high-risk vehicle stops or incidents. Their involvement increases the likelihood of capturing and apprehending suspects.
EPS helicopters, equipped with a forward-looking, infra-red camera, allow crew members to search the ground for suspects, vehicles or evidence, and relays timely information to the officers below.
The flight crew monitors several radio frequencies and is prepared to respond to calls arising from any EPS member, the RCMP, as well as fire and emergency medical services personnel.
Per year, on average, Flight Operations Unit is responsible for:
- Attendance of over 2,800 calls for service;
- Safe management of 50+ criminal flights (with a 99.8% apprehension rate);
- The arrest of 350+ individuals who otherwise may have evaded capture; and
- A response time of 90 seconds or less.