A dramatic increase in the number of arrests involving Cleveland Police’s air support unit is ‘proof positive of the vital role it plays in both tackling crime and responding to life and death incidents.’
That is how Cleveland Police Authority Chair Peter Race describes statistics which show that between July and September the air support unit’s new state-of-the-art helicopter attended 632 incidents - and played a part in 129 arrests, a 54% increase on the same period last year.
The Eurocopter aircraft, the most advanced in the world, came into operation early this year and, says Mr Race, is proving a resounding success.
He explains “The figures certainly demonstrate just how important the air support now is in tackling crime, catching offenders—and protecting life and limb. What’s more it is extremely cost effective—just between July and September the use of the aircraft resulted in the equivalent of 170,315 officer hours being saved across the Force, equating to a cost saving of over £2million compared to officers on the ground being deployed to the same incidents.”
Cleveland Police Authority received a Home Office grant of 40 per cent towards the £5million new aircraft—together with a £1million guaranteed minimum ‘trade in’ payment for its former aircraft.
Temporary Chief Constable of Cleveland Police Jacqui Cheer said: “The helicopter really is a vital tool in finding people quickly – this can either be vulnerable missing people or criminals who are captured and brought to justice. It also enables the Force to make massive efficiency savings in terms of officer hours, which means that resources can be directed to where they are most needed.”
Examples of incidents attended by the air support unit during the period include:
Hartlepool District
On 15th August, the aircraft was deployed to a stolen vehicle pursuit in Hartlepool. The aircraft provided downlink and commentary as the vehicle was driven into Seal Sands industrial estate. The aircraft captured video evidence including two stinger deployments, TPAC manoeuvres and the arrest of four people.
On 2nd September, the aircraft was tasked to search for a vulnerable woman who had been reported suicidal and missing by her husband. The crew located the female lying hidden in the dunes at North Gare. They landed and gave first aid until officers and ambulance staff arrived.
On 21st September, the aircraft deployed to a burglary in progress at Bruce Crescent. The crew were able to fly high enough to be inaudible on the ground. The crew captured two people in the act of trying to jemmy the rear door of the house. Officers were directed to where two people were hiding in a nearby out-house and two people were arrested.
Middlesbrough District
On 8th July, the aircraft deployed to search for a youth responsible for a knife attack. The crew located a group of males in Pallister Park, one of whom fitted the description. Officers were talked onto the location and an arrest was made.
On 2nd August, the aircraft deployed to an incident where a taxi was being attacked by a group of youths and the driver subjected to racial abuse. The crew directed officers to three suspects who were arrested for criminal damage and racially aggravated public order offences.
Redcar and Cleveland District
On 31st July, the aircraft was deployed to search for 2 men with rifles in Errington Woods. Both men were located and ARV officers were directed safely to them.
On 3rd August, the aircraft deployed to assist ARV officers to find two men with firearms. The crew located two suspects hiding in trees. Officers were directed to them and a man was arrested for numerous offences including firearms, criminal damage and vehicle interference.
On 1st September, the aircraft was deployed to search for a missing suicidal woman. An extensive search of the Boosbeck area resulted in the location of the woman lying hidden in a hedge. The crew landed nearby and gave assistance. The woman was carried from the field to a place where the ambulance could gain access.
Stockton District
On 3rd July, the aircraft assisted with evacuating a serious casualty from a road traffic collision at Whinney Hill and transferred to James Cook.
On 14th July, the aircraft took over from the Northumbria aircraft in the pursuit of a stolen BMW on the A19 at Leven Viaduct. The crew managed the pursuit into York where three men decamped. Three arrests were made for armed robbery of cash in transit in Durham that day.
On 2nd September, the aircraft was deployed to a report of a burglary in progress at St. Bede’s School in Stockton. The crew identified two suspects climbing down from the roof. Officers were directed and two people were arrested for burglary.
To read whay the helicopter has been up to, click here to view "Helicopter Watch" on the CPA site.