Up until the end of March 2009, Cleveland Police shared a helicopter with Northumbria Police and Durham Constabulary.
From 1st April 2009, Cleveland Police launched its own dedicated air support service (and its own helicopter) covering Hartlepool, Stockton, Middlesbrough and Redcar & Cleveland. The Force has now taken delivery of and operate a brand new helicopter dedicated to support operations in and around the Force area. The helicopter based at Durham Tees Valley Airport is operated by highly skilled pilots and Police Observers to do large scale searches, in sometimes difficult to reach areas, to look for crime suspects, missing persons and assist with high speed pursuits. It is also fitted with special heat seeking cameras and automatic number plate recognition equipment which can be vital for police officers in serious and critical incidents.
On 11th April 2011, Cleveland Police and Cleveland Police Authority launched "Helicopter Watch". The purpose of these pages is to update the general public of recent operations of the Cleveland Police Air Support Unit and any resulting outcomes. Please note that not all items will always be listed due to operational sensitivity or ongoing investigation.
The most recent page will be updated only on business weekdays and will highlight the previous day's flights. Weekend and public holiday updates will appear on the closest following working day .
CLICK THE LINKS BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION
