Call for Queensland police helicopter
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Call for Queensland police helicopter
What do you think?
The Courier Mail’s Cameron Atfield wrote on 5 Dec ’06 about the lack of a police helicopter in the large urban area of Brisbane.
Quote:
Monday afternoon's fatal police chase at Redcliffe has renewed Opposition calls for the State Government to fund a police pursuit helicopter.
Opposition police spokesman Rob Messenger said a specially equipped police helicopter would help police avoid high-speed chases.
"Common sense would tell you that you've got a far better chance of catching criminals safely using a helicopter," he said.
"Queensland police need a specially equipped helicopter to better pursue criminals and avoid high-speed car chases which put members of the public at risk."
But Police Minister Judy Spence said a police helicopter would not have helped avoid Monday's tragedy.
"I think it's very callous of the Opposition to bring this helicopter issue into the equation today less than 24 hours after a young girl's lost her life, when they would know that if the police had a helicopter it would be very unlikely it would have been in the air," she said.
"If it had been in the air over the CBD or at Logan City or the Gold Coast it would not have been at Redcliffe at that point in time."
Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson said getting aircraft in the Torres Strait and western Queensland was a more urgent priority for police than providing a helicopter in southeast Queensland.
"I do think the concept of a helicopter is probably a little bit over-rated," he said.
"We're about stopping and reducing pursuits, not continuing them on under new circumstances."
End:
Queensland has always been opposed to buying a police helicopter(s); they do have an airplane air wing to cart the bad guys around to/from court, etc.
What do readers think about the effectiveness of airborne surveillance helicopter in car chases. Is the Minister right?
The Courier Mail’s Cameron Atfield wrote on 5 Dec ’06 about the lack of a police helicopter in the large urban area of Brisbane.
Quote:
Monday afternoon's fatal police chase at Redcliffe has renewed Opposition calls for the State Government to fund a police pursuit helicopter.
Opposition police spokesman Rob Messenger said a specially equipped police helicopter would help police avoid high-speed chases.
"Common sense would tell you that you've got a far better chance of catching criminals safely using a helicopter," he said.
"Queensland police need a specially equipped helicopter to better pursue criminals and avoid high-speed car chases which put members of the public at risk."
But Police Minister Judy Spence said a police helicopter would not have helped avoid Monday's tragedy.
"I think it's very callous of the Opposition to bring this helicopter issue into the equation today less than 24 hours after a young girl's lost her life, when they would know that if the police had a helicopter it would be very unlikely it would have been in the air," she said.
"If it had been in the air over the CBD or at Logan City or the Gold Coast it would not have been at Redcliffe at that point in time."
Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson said getting aircraft in the Torres Strait and western Queensland was a more urgent priority for police than providing a helicopter in southeast Queensland.
"I do think the concept of a helicopter is probably a little bit over-rated," he said.
"We're about stopping and reducing pursuits, not continuing them on under new circumstances."
End:
Queensland has always been opposed to buying a police helicopter(s); they do have an airplane air wing to cart the bad guys around to/from court, etc.
What do readers think about the effectiveness of airborne surveillance helicopter in car chases. Is the Minister right?
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In my 8 yrs of flying Police here in the UK (previously lived QLD) I believe a helicopter makes all the difference in making a pursuit safer, criminals are well aware that they have limited time till the helicopter arrives overhead and many a pursuit has ceased as soon as soon as the helicopter is overhead, but the greatest help it offers is allowing the pursuing police vehicles to back of and take the pressure of the criminal while still keeping the vehicle and criminal in view. Video camera's, Thermal Imaging and video downlink all ensure the criminal has little chance of escape.
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Good Idea
In the short time I spent in QLD I would say it would be a good idea for them to have a dedicated Police Helicopter considering the vast difference in size of AUS to NZ I would say QLD need one and Im curious about what will happen if they continue to ignore the fact.
In NZ there are 2 AS355F1 sole Police Helos here split over the N.I and S.I and most of the time there in so much demand they cant respond to other emergencies outside of there base city.
so I dont see why QLD getting one is such a bad idea then again things work differently to NZ hopefully they do get it/them in the not too distant future.
In NZ there are 2 AS355F1 sole Police Helos here split over the N.I and S.I and most of the time there in so much demand they cant respond to other emergencies outside of there base city.
so I dont see why QLD getting one is such a bad idea then again things work differently to NZ hopefully they do get it/them in the not too distant future.
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Or is it that EMQ Helicopter Rescue has too strong a grip on relinquishing some of its power and having another Government agency using helicopters in a closely aligned field
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I'm surprised Brisbane does not already have a dedicated police helicopter. The govt. just has to find the money.
When you look at the condition of Qld. roads, there can't be be much spare cash left in the coffers.
When you look at the condition of Qld. roads, there can't be be much spare cash left in the coffers.
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All of the good highways, including the Ipswich bypass are fed funded, as was a lot of the initial city development in the lead up to expo.
There should be plenty of loot spare as not much if any is used on the outback roads I can tell you. Also there is plenty of untied GST loot.
Anyway it shouldn’t be a horrendous amount as a straight out lump sum as leasing and or cross hiring crew and all until expertise builds up should be fairly painless for a state this size and such a small start envisaged.
Maybe the smiling premier could lean on his Mexican cousin Steve, for a loan of a unit for trial purposes. Get them to fetch up a bit of NVG gear and take him for a burn and he’ll have an instant opinion as to how good it all is.
Some of those VicPol boys must need a holiday up on the gold coast, we haven’t heard much from them of late.
Don’t foget to get Robsrich show you round the night spots when you get up there, him mentioning it here an all.
Cheers tet
There are operational officers in Queensland undertaking the production of a business case for a helicopter in the State based on an AS350 and US practice.
This follows on from limited special event operations using an old MD/Hughes for the Rugby event a year back.
So there is movement.
This follows on from limited special event operations using an old MD/Hughes for the Rugby event a year back.
So there is movement.
Channel 7 Brisbane have excellent footage of a two hour Police chase which certainly would have benefitted from a Police helicopter!
Long clip (19 minutes) of raw footage from 7, worth watching full screen: about a third in the Porsche loses a front wheel, and at the end a classic pilot query: "Got a beer?"
Long clip (19 minutes) of raw footage from 7, worth watching full screen: about a third in the Porsche loses a front wheel, and at the end a classic pilot query: "Got a beer?"
A man has been arrested and charged after a dramatic two-hour police chase on the Gold Coast yesterday.
The 23-year-old Ashmore man has been charged with one count each of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.
The man was allegedly driving a yellow Porsche Boxter, believed to be stolen, at speed through suburban streets and along the M1.
Police were unwilling to continue the pursuit when it reached excessive speeds, calling the chase off three times.
The man drove the Porsche the wrong way up a one-way street, narrowly missed a pedestrian and later crashed into a guard rail damaging the front driver's side wheel.
The man continued driving at high speeds despite the car catching on fire and the wheel eventually dislodging.
After crashing the vehicle the man fled on foot before allegedly stealing a Nissan Navara.
He was captured by police after crashing the second vehicle near Reedy Creek.
It is believed the Porsche was stolen from a Mudgeeraba address last month and used in a number of break-ins.
The 23-year-old Ashmore man has been charged with one count each of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.
The man was allegedly driving a yellow Porsche Boxter, believed to be stolen, at speed through suburban streets and along the M1.
Police were unwilling to continue the pursuit when it reached excessive speeds, calling the chase off three times.
The man drove the Porsche the wrong way up a one-way street, narrowly missed a pedestrian and later crashed into a guard rail damaging the front driver's side wheel.
The man continued driving at high speeds despite the car catching on fire and the wheel eventually dislodging.
After crashing the vehicle the man fled on foot before allegedly stealing a Nissan Navara.
He was captured by police after crashing the second vehicle near Reedy Creek.
It is believed the Porsche was stolen from a Mudgeeraba address last month and used in a number of break-ins.
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Its interesting to note that for the past 2 decades we are still only status quo with the number of rotary Police Aviation units in this country....talking about a no growth industry!!
There are still only 3 units: Sydney, NSW (who are still working out the way forward); Melbourne, Victoria (got their **** together and well matured) and Perth, WA (an emerging and maturing outfit).
I would say that VicPol has the most sophisticated Air Wing with 3 x AS365N3, 1 x EC135, 1 x high-end fixed based sim and 14 pilots all IFR and NVG qualified. Perth would have to be the next one and developiung nicely. it has, I believe, purchased 2 x AS365N3 with the first in Bankstown being put together. And Sydney, well it just needs to get its act together.
What amazes me is that the next biggest city after Melb and Syd is Brisbane, which has no Police Air Wing....go figure. With the slow but constant emergence of Sunshine and Gold coasts into Bribane it will soon have the biggest urban sprawl and most definitely in need of aerial support to its police on the ground. perth is only a small town in comparison and it already has a very credible Air Wing compared to Brisbane's none!
Wake up Brissy and get out of the 19th century!
There are still only 3 units: Sydney, NSW (who are still working out the way forward); Melbourne, Victoria (got their **** together and well matured) and Perth, WA (an emerging and maturing outfit).
I would say that VicPol has the most sophisticated Air Wing with 3 x AS365N3, 1 x EC135, 1 x high-end fixed based sim and 14 pilots all IFR and NVG qualified. Perth would have to be the next one and developiung nicely. it has, I believe, purchased 2 x AS365N3 with the first in Bankstown being put together. And Sydney, well it just needs to get its act together.
What amazes me is that the next biggest city after Melb and Syd is Brisbane, which has no Police Air Wing....go figure. With the slow but constant emergence of Sunshine and Gold coasts into Bribane it will soon have the biggest urban sprawl and most definitely in need of aerial support to its police on the ground. perth is only a small town in comparison and it already has a very credible Air Wing compared to Brisbane's none!
Wake up Brissy and get out of the 19th century!
News chopper chases high speed criminal for 2 hours
Porsche involved in high-speed chase - Seven News Queensland
Full marks for the crew having a go, but would they have been blamed if an innocent bystander was injured in this 2 hour chase, which included the guy driving on the wrong side of the road?
Particularly if, as it seems, he was fleeing the news chopper because apparently he had outrun police cars? Without the chopper he would have escaped but also the public would not have been put at risk?
More info regarding how far he was ahead of police cars would answer the question.
Mickjoebill
Full marks for the crew having a go, but would they have been blamed if an innocent bystander was injured in this 2 hour chase, which included the guy driving on the wrong side of the road?
Particularly if, as it seems, he was fleeing the news chopper because apparently he had outrun police cars? Without the chopper he would have escaped but also the public would not have been put at risk?
More info regarding how far he was ahead of police cars would answer the question.
Mickjoebill
I'd be quite surprised if he was 'fleeing the news chopper': until he hit the curb and wrecked the front wheel there was no indication that he was aware of a helicopter at all. I realise that he may have seen or heard 7 News after he got out to inspect the damage, but the noise of police sirens getting louder would have been more of a concern, IMO
With or without a beer
With or without a beer
as long as Brisbane ratepayers fund it
Regardless....come on give it a crack!
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With the fixed wing police coverage and emq covering ems out of the Brisbane cbd would anyone exempt the metropolitan Brisbane residents from paying for those services to the rural parts of the state? I dont think so.
You're unreal. Hukhuk.
The point of policing is to increase the likelihood of catching crooks. It's just another useful tool. Same as the van, same as forensic, but not as good as a cop on the beat. The best prevention is the likelihood of detection AND certain punishment.
BTW There was a certain blue corporate helicopter operated in Melbourne late 80's, with a deceptively similar paint scheme to vicpol at the time. Public thought it was a cop machine....even to the point of phoning the PAW in old hangar 104, to complain that the police helicopter had lost it's door. Can't tell me that operator didn't stop his share of crimes or dodge his share of noise complaints, while extending the visible police presence .....who was that masked man?
It was around the same time another guy topped a pencil pine at royal park hah aha!
You guys crack me up.
DD
You're unreal. Hukhuk.
The point of policing is to increase the likelihood of catching crooks. It's just another useful tool. Same as the van, same as forensic, but not as good as a cop on the beat. The best prevention is the likelihood of detection AND certain punishment.
BTW There was a certain blue corporate helicopter operated in Melbourne late 80's, with a deceptively similar paint scheme to vicpol at the time. Public thought it was a cop machine....even to the point of phoning the PAW in old hangar 104, to complain that the police helicopter had lost it's door. Can't tell me that operator didn't stop his share of crimes or dodge his share of noise complaints, while extending the visible police presence .....who was that masked man?
It was around the same time another guy topped a pencil pine at royal park hah aha!
You guys crack me up.
DD
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If they have a police helicopter, call it what it is, the "Gold Coast" or "Brisbane" police helicopter.
Down here in nsw you don't see our polair very far away from Sydney. They certainly don't get involved in many car chases in the bush (regional centres). All of nsw pays for them and Sydney gets the benifit. As usual.
Down here in nsw you don't see our polair very far away from Sydney. They certainly don't get involved in many car chases in the bush (regional centres). All of nsw pays for them and Sydney gets the benifit. As usual.
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Queensland Police Service helicopter PolAir One launched on Gold Coast
No Cookies | The Courier-Mail
A NEW police helicopter on the Gold Coast will not be given extra flying time despite concerns its predecessor spent too much time on the ground.
Premier Campbell Newman and Police Minister Jack Dempsey at the official launch of the replacement QPS helicopter on the Gold Coast
Premier Campbell Newman, Police Minister Jack Dempsey and Police Commissioner Ian Stewart officially launched the chopper yesterday. But Mr Stewart ruled out extra flying time for the aircraft due to funding restrictions.
Yesterday, Mr Stewart said he would love to have the new helicopter, PolAir One, in the air longer ''but there's never a bottomless pit (of money)''.
"The idea is to use intelligence-based hours to get the best value out of this aircraft,'' he said.
Mr Stewart said the State Government planned to introduce a second police helicopter in 2014-15.
Premier Campbell Newman and Police Minister Jack Dempsey at the official launch of the replacement QPS helicopter on the Gold Coast
Premier Campbell Newman, Police Minister Jack Dempsey and Police Commissioner Ian Stewart officially launched the chopper yesterday. But Mr Stewart ruled out extra flying time for the aircraft due to funding restrictions.
Yesterday, Mr Stewart said he would love to have the new helicopter, PolAir One, in the air longer ''but there's never a bottomless pit (of money)''.
"The idea is to use intelligence-based hours to get the best value out of this aircraft,'' he said.
Mr Stewart said the State Government planned to introduce a second police helicopter in 2014-15.