NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release 2009PSSG0021-000253 Feb. 28, 2009	Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General
POLICE HAVE ANOTHER EYE IN THE SKY TO FIGHT CRIME

RICHMOND – B.C. is launching a second crime-fighting helicopter to build on the success of Air 1, which has contributed to nearly 1,300 arrests for everything from weapons offences to robbery to street racing since it took flight in July 2006, Solicitor General John van Dongen announced today.

 

“Our existing traffic safety helicopter has brought hundreds of high-speed pursuits, foot chases and even incidents involving illegal guns to safe conclusions,” said van Dongen. “Significantly, not one high-speed chase involving Air 1 has resulted in death or serious injury. Air 2 will double our capacity to help police track and take down dangerous and reckless criminals with greater safety for both officers and our communities.”

 

Air 1 successes to date include:

 

• Leading or aiding in pursuits leading to 795 arrests of suspects wanted for robbery, assault, break-and-enter and outstanding warrants.
• Controlling 66 vehicle pursuits that resulted in 79 arrests for driving-related offences.
• Tracking or helping to recover 156 occupied stolen vehicles, resulting in 233 arrests.
• Contributing to 54 arrests for impaired driving.
• Monitoring 147 aggressive drivers, 114 of whom were stopped by police and faced everything from violation tickets to charges of impaired driving or drug possession.
• Assisting in curtailing 23 street races, which led to penalties including vehicle impoundment, violation tickets and criminal charges.

           

            Like Air 1, the new helicopter is a Eurocopter EC-120B Colibri equipped with specialized technology, including high-power lights and infra-red cameras for tracking suspects at night.

 

 “Speed, range and versatility make Air 2 an essential service for police on the ground,” said Assistant Commissioner Peter German, district commander of the RCMP Lower Mainland District. “This new helicopter will ensure there’s an even better chance of a safer resolution if an impaired driver is putting the public at risk, or there’s an incident involving weapons.”

 

Air 2 will provide aerial support to 17 Lower Mainland municipalities. The $2.3-million helicopter was purchased through an agreement between the Province and ICBC, with a $700,000 contribution from the federal government.

 

“Air 1 and Air 2 provide a safe and effective way for police to apprehend criminals, whether fleeing in a car or on foot,” said Abbotsford Chief Constable Bob Rich, president of the British Columbia Association of Municipal Chiefs of Police.

 

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Media contact:	Cindy Rose Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General 250 356-6961	Media phone (After hours and weekends) 250 213-3602
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