Regina police's Aerial Support Unit has assisted in 500 files so far in 2023
The Regina Police Service (RPS) recognized the official launch of its Aerial Support Unit (ASU) on Thursday.
The police-owned airplane has been in operation since Jan. 20 and has assisted in nearly 500 files up to March 20, an RPS news release said.
According to Regina police, ASU assistance resulted in 97 arrests, 127 charges laid, 34 warrants executed, the recovery of 14 stolen vehicles and 41 saved trips for ground units, between Jan. 20 and March 20.
The aircraft used is a 2002 Cessna 182T that RPS said is outfitted with a wide angle infrared camera, allowing officers to see in the dark.
The technology can not only track suspects who are fleeing police, but can also find missing and vulnerable people.
The airplane can stay in the air for up to eight hours at a time.
The Regina Police Service officially unveiled their aerial support unit at the Regina Airport. (Gareth Dillistone / CTV News)
RPS said the aircraft, camera and additional tools and technology were purchased through a partnership with Provincial Civil Forfeiture and Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI).
Provincial Civil Forfeiture provided about $600,000 and SGI $120,000.
“In just two months, the Aerial Support Unit has proven to be a valuable investment. We are proud of the positive impact on public safety and are committed to continuing our work to keep our community safe from the air and on the ground,” RPS Deputy Chief Dean Rae said in a release.
The ASU currently has six RPS officers, two of which are pilots and four who are tactical flight officers (TFO).
The TFOs are responsible for monitoring the police radio and camera technology and communicating with police units on the ground, RPS said.
The plane has a sepcial muffler to keep noise down for city residents. The crew also flies above 2,000 feet, more than twice than Transport Canada.
With files from CTV News Regina's Gareth Dillistone
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires air defence batteries in provinces as sound of explosions heard near Isfahan
Iran fired air defence batteries early Friday morning after reports of explosions near the city of Isfahan, the state-run IRNA news agency reported.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.