RPS purchases first aircraft, expected to patrol over city by October
The Regina Police Service (RPS) purchased its first aircraft, a Cessna 182, which is currently getting cameras and surveillance equipment installed onboard.
The plane is currently in Saskatoon being outfitted but RPS expects to have the aircraft patrolling over the city by the end of October.
Elizabeth Popowich with RPS said they received the second-hand plane in April of this year.
Saskatoon has operated a similar plane for a number of years.
“If you can spot the suspect from the air, watch the suspect until they stop the vehicle somewhere and call in your arrest teams to take action on the ground, you have eliminated a whole lot of risk to the public, the police and even the suspects themselves,” said Popowich.
Regina’s police aircraft was purchased from a dealer in Texas for just under $400,000 U.S. The 2005 model Cessna will be based out of the Kreos hangar at the Regina airport. Equipment will bring the final price to just over a million dollars with some of the money coming from a proceeds of crime fund and SGI.
“They’re often used to assist patrolling members that can find people who may have been involved. For example, in a break and enter, those property insurance claims can add up as well and so there is a benefit to SGI on that front,” said Tyler McMurchy with SGI.
The plane will do much of its flying at night and the constant circling over the city could pose a noise issue for some residents.
Police are taking that into account and are installing a special muffler to make this aircraft quieter than most.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.