UK Police helicopter budget cuts
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NPAS recruits?
NPAS recruits by any chance?
Cant see a driver in the pic, unless one is also a PPL of course
The story here
UK: South East Air Support Unit officially launched
Cant see a driver in the pic, unless one is also a PPL of course
The story here
UK: South East Air Support Unit officially launched
04-Apr-11 A collaboration to share air support across the counties of Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire was officially launched Friday at Shoreham Airport.
Although the South East Air Support Unit (SEASU) has been operational since October, today marked the start of operations under a single Police Air Operator’s Certificate issued by the Civil Aviation Authority.
Under the agreement there are two helicopters covering the three force areas. This will ensure that Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire are all able to have access to this highly value resource, but at a saving of around £8m for the three authorities over the next five years.
Regional Inspector for SEASU Steve Cheeseman said: “The launch of the regional air support unit has been seven years in the making and we have come up with a model which we believe will effectively serve Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire. One of the helicopters will be based in Sussex and one in Surrey but they will both provide cover for all three force areas.
“The use of helicopters gives police a real advantage over criminals on the ground and also allows us to effectively assist in searching for vulnerable missing people. They are an invaluable resource which through this collaboration we hope to continue for many years to come.”
Alan Price, Sussex Police Authority’s lead member for air support, said: “Collaboration in which ‘everybody has won and all must have prizes’ is always difficult to achieve. There must inevitably be compromises.
“The fact that all three Forces and authorities have been able to reach agreement on an effective and efficient collaboration with both capital and revenue implications which meets the requirements of all in the important area of air support is a tribute to all those involved in the discussions and negotiations that have lead up to this day.
“I offer my congratulations to all those who have worked hard to make this historic launch of SEASU happen today. I am sure SEASU will continue to develop to meet the changing demands on its service.”
Although the South East Air Support Unit (SEASU) has been operational since October, today marked the start of operations under a single Police Air Operator’s Certificate issued by the Civil Aviation Authority.
Under the agreement there are two helicopters covering the three force areas. This will ensure that Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire are all able to have access to this highly value resource, but at a saving of around £8m for the three authorities over the next five years.
Regional Inspector for SEASU Steve Cheeseman said: “The launch of the regional air support unit has been seven years in the making and we have come up with a model which we believe will effectively serve Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire. One of the helicopters will be based in Sussex and one in Surrey but they will both provide cover for all three force areas.
“The use of helicopters gives police a real advantage over criminals on the ground and also allows us to effectively assist in searching for vulnerable missing people. They are an invaluable resource which through this collaboration we hope to continue for many years to come.”
Alan Price, Sussex Police Authority’s lead member for air support, said: “Collaboration in which ‘everybody has won and all must have prizes’ is always difficult to achieve. There must inevitably be compromises.
“The fact that all three Forces and authorities have been able to reach agreement on an effective and efficient collaboration with both capital and revenue implications which meets the requirements of all in the important area of air support is a tribute to all those involved in the discussions and negotiations that have lead up to this day.
“I offer my congratulations to all those who have worked hard to make this historic launch of SEASU happen today. I am sure SEASU will continue to develop to meet the changing demands on its service.”
Not only is the driver missing... the whole crew is adrift. Each of those in the image are 'persons with some standing in the community' - not the plebs that actually do the job day in day out.
So I expect that next year, give or take a month or so, we are to expect a similar line up at Dunsfold with just one EC135 aircraft and a shiny new hangar in the background. The event wwill be launched with a press release stating - straight faced - that the operation is now more effective, more efficient and catching twice as many crooks as the 2011 unit managed to capture in its entire existence.....
So I expect that next year, give or take a month or so, we are to expect a similar line up at Dunsfold with just one EC135 aircraft and a shiny new hangar in the background. The event wwill be launched with a press release stating - straight faced - that the operation is now more effective, more efficient and catching twice as many crooks as the 2011 unit managed to capture in its entire existence.....
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The question has to be asked - if it's such a great idea to save £8m over the next 5 years now, why didn't anyone in that picture think of doing it 5 years ago?
I've always found it prudent (as a pleb crew person) to withdraw from the scene as the cameras come out. No doubt the crews had more important things to do just as the photograph was being set up!
I've always found it prudent (as a pleb crew person) to withdraw from the scene as the cameras come out. No doubt the crews had more important things to do just as the photograph was being set up!
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Quote
“I offer my congratulations to all those who have worked hard to make this historic launch of SEASU happen today. I am sure SEASU will continue to develop to meet the changing demands on its service.”
The near future would seem to "continue to develop" by downsizing by another aircraft?
You've guessed by now I'm a supporter of the NPAS idea, just dislike 'spin'.
“I offer my congratulations to all those who have worked hard to make this historic launch of SEASU happen today. I am sure SEASU will continue to develop to meet the changing demands on its service.”
The near future would seem to "continue to develop" by downsizing by another aircraft?
You've guessed by now I'm a supporter of the NPAS idea, just dislike 'spin'.
Last edited by Art of flight; 8th Apr 2011 at 11:01. Reason: addition to text
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24/7 or 20 hour days - current daily logs
Re Spannatime's question;
"Is there any official news from NPAS which units are planned to be 20 hours and which will be 24/7?"
Does NPAS have access to the daily logs from all the different units for the last couple of years?
If so I think they will be looking at who is busy in the early hours/mornings and who isn't.
Air support seems to come into its own at night I have found, but is relatively quiet after 2-3am, till about 4pm the next day. Not counting any photo requests during the day.
Strathclyde seem to make it work and they finish early. Maybe a visit to their unit by NPAS might be an idea to see how its done?
The cross border ops should help when the various units lose their a/c for a week or so for maintenance checks.
Things might change re hours flown come April. I know the large North Yorkshire force who havent havent got any air support except the volunteer flyers, are waiting to request I55 from Cleveland come D-Day, without worrying about who is going to pay at the time
"Is there any official news from NPAS which units are planned to be 20 hours and which will be 24/7?"
Does NPAS have access to the daily logs from all the different units for the last couple of years?
If so I think they will be looking at who is busy in the early hours/mornings and who isn't.
Air support seems to come into its own at night I have found, but is relatively quiet after 2-3am, till about 4pm the next day. Not counting any photo requests during the day.
Strathclyde seem to make it work and they finish early. Maybe a visit to their unit by NPAS might be an idea to see how its done?
The cross border ops should help when the various units lose their a/c for a week or so for maintenance checks.
Things might change re hours flown come April. I know the large North Yorkshire force who havent havent got any air support except the volunteer flyers, are waiting to request I55 from Cleveland come D-Day, without worrying about who is going to pay at the time
Purveyor of Egg Liqueur to Lucifer
I read this...
...and thought, yep, that makes sense.
/
/
/
/
Then I realised it said pm !
Air support seems to come into its own at night I have found, but is relatively quiet after 2-3am, till about 4pm the next day.
/
/
/
/
Then I realised it said pm !
Art of Flight....
.... why didn't anyone in that picture think of doing it 5 years ago?
That may be easy..... now five years ago they were probably in University learning some skill not wholly associated with law enforcement and thief catching .... may even still had stripes on their arms.... 30 years passes so quickly that it makes 5 years a giant chunk.
In less than five years time they, and the planners of NPAS will be on the golf course....others will pick up the bits... dust them off and make them work.
.... why didn't anyone in that picture think of doing it 5 years ago?
That may be easy..... now five years ago they were probably in University learning some skill not wholly associated with law enforcement and thief catching .... may even still had stripes on their arms.... 30 years passes so quickly that it makes 5 years a giant chunk.
In less than five years time they, and the planners of NPAS will be on the golf course....others will pick up the bits... dust them off and make them work.
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The South East photo line up
Never mind the golf course I bet ACC Olivia would make an outstanding crew mate with a smile like that
I'd make her tea anyday
I'd make her tea anyday
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In less than five years time they, and the planners of NPAS will be on the golf course
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Look like a couple of hundred grands worth of saving in that photo alone.
There combined salary could run a unit for a year and it would lock up more people and save more lives than they would.
There combined salary could run a unit for a year and it would lock up more people and save more lives than they would.
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Helicopter watch at Sleepy Hollow
This should prove interesting viewing down at Sleepy Hollow.
The Chief COnstable Mr Price said on tv tonight that his latest internet venture would show exaclty what his helicopter was doing EACH day.
It should prove interesting viewing knowing how quiet the place is.
The "Price is right" chief goes on to say that it costs his force £960,000 per year to keep the a/c in the air??
It used to cost him £800k per year when he was part of the north east consortium, so he's not doing too bad having his own a/c for a bit more in the small county
I noticed the chief didn't mention the purchase price of it in January
The excited TV interviewer states that it is the most advanced police helicopter in the world! I wonder who got a jolly around HQ?
http://www.itv.com/tynetees/heli-cam51727/
Tyne Tees Regional News | North East Tonight - ITV Local
and a bit in the local Gazette.
Cleveland Police launch Helicopter Watch - TS16 Local News - TS16 Eaglescliffe - Gazette Communities - Gazette Live
Nice badges
The Chief COnstable Mr Price said on tv tonight that his latest internet venture would show exaclty what his helicopter was doing EACH day.
It should prove interesting viewing knowing how quiet the place is.
The "Price is right" chief goes on to say that it costs his force £960,000 per year to keep the a/c in the air??
It used to cost him £800k per year when he was part of the north east consortium, so he's not doing too bad having his own a/c for a bit more in the small county
I noticed the chief didn't mention the purchase price of it in January
The excited TV interviewer states that it is the most advanced police helicopter in the world! I wonder who got a jolly around HQ?
http://www.itv.com/tynetees/heli-cam51727/
Tyne Tees Regional News | North East Tonight - ITV Local
and a bit in the local Gazette.
Cleveland Police launch Helicopter Watch - TS16 Local News - TS16 Eaglescliffe - Gazette Communities - Gazette Live
Nice badges
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Come out come out we know your in there!
Helicopter watch latest, notice how well its written up
Helicopter Watch
Even doing a search in North Yorkshire! NPAS time....
If all else fails tell the crim that you can't see him and you want him to come out of hiding
08/04/2011
22:30 Middlesbrough
Crime Search
Assist units chasing person responsible for theft through the old docks area. Male had jumped into river in attempt to escape. Area searched and confirmed to be clear. Crew found door open on an old ship, believed male was hiding inside. Land on at scene whilst suitable units attend to search the ship. Resume short time later, attempts made using aircrafts PA system to get male to come out with negative result.
and back for more shouting to see if he would come out a couple of hours later?
09/04/2011
00:20 Middlesbrough
Crime Search
Further tasking below incident at Riverside Middlesbrough. Thermal imaging of decks of disused ship whilst units made loud-hailer calls to any persons on the ship. No one forthcoming.
Helicopter Watch
Even doing a search in North Yorkshire! NPAS time....
If all else fails tell the crim that you can't see him and you want him to come out of hiding
08/04/2011
22:30 Middlesbrough
Crime Search
Assist units chasing person responsible for theft through the old docks area. Male had jumped into river in attempt to escape. Area searched and confirmed to be clear. Crew found door open on an old ship, believed male was hiding inside. Land on at scene whilst suitable units attend to search the ship. Resume short time later, attempts made using aircrafts PA system to get male to come out with negative result.
and back for more shouting to see if he would come out a couple of hours later?
09/04/2011
00:20 Middlesbrough
Crime Search
Further tasking below incident at Riverside Middlesbrough. Thermal imaging of decks of disused ship whilst units made loud-hailer calls to any persons on the ship. No one forthcoming.
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Cooperation and borderless tasking
Before people get too carried away with these supposedly "new" developments, it might be worth pointing out that other ASUs have provided borderless cover using two aircraft for up to five counties for the past FIFTEEN years.
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We trained hard . . . but it seemed that every time we were beginning to form up into teams we would be reorganized. I was to learn later in life that we tend to meet any new situation by reorganizing; and a wonderful method it can be for creating the illusion of progress while producing confusion, inefficiency, and demoralization.
Petronius Arbiter, 210 B.C.
(I know, it's authenticity is disputed but still a good quote).
Petronius Arbiter, 210 B.C.
(I know, it's authenticity is disputed but still a good quote).
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using two aircraft for up to five counties for the past FIFTEEN years.
Air Support has been provided by 4 aircraft covering 8 force areas for around 24 years !
I wonder if all the knowledge and expertise gained during that time
is at the forefront of some of the current decisions being made
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How stupid
OMG 
I can't believe they have bee so stupid as to put so much info on the web about the flights they are doing and to make it worse it's an obvious cut and paste from the flight log which may well be needed as evidence if that job went to court. The comment "we viewed the area from 9km away" well that does not even warrant a comment. pathetic
I can't believe they have bee so stupid as to put so much info on the web about the flights they are doing and to make it worse it's an obvious cut and paste from the flight log which may well be needed as evidence if that job went to court. The comment "we viewed the area from 9km away" well that does not even warrant a comment. pathetic
I wonder if all the knowledge and expertise gained during that time
is at the forefront of some of the current decisions being made
It is my understanding that the ultimate in NPAS planning questionaires is out there...... yes the new one .... and it includes a question that asks....
"...what do you do....?"
So what DID they ask before writing the plan?
is at the forefront of some of the current decisions being made
It is my understanding that the ultimate in NPAS planning questionaires is out there...... yes the new one .... and it includes a question that asks....
"...what do you do....?"
So what DID they ask before writing the plan?
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trumpton time
Trumpton can usually find a fire..... especially if its a large one!
Its the flying panda time
Helicopter Watch
Its the flying panda time
Helicopter Watch
14/04/2011
21:15
Stockton
Search
Helicopter deployed to a report of a large fire near Tesco’s Durham Road. Crew sighted fire and ground units and fire brigade talked on. 21:15
Stockton
Search