The contracted EC135T2 POLAIR helicopter will be replaced with a new machine. Photo: QLD Government.
The Queensland Police Force now has an operational helicopter available for operations in Townsville and North Queensland, and has commenced the process to buy a permanent POLAIR capability.
The currently contracted POLAIR Airbus EC135T2 – dubbed ‘eye-in-the-sky’ – is equipped with a camera system with infrared, a searchlight, moving map and vehicle tracking to support law enforcement efforts on the ground, and for helping police respond to incidents.
The helicopter carries a crew of three – a pilot, camera operator and police observer – and has already been successfully used to apprehend an alleged suspect in a car theft, and to locate a missing 13-year-old.
Premier Steven Miles said he wanted Queenslanders to feel safe in their homes and in their communities.
“When Queensland Police requested POLAIR capabilities in North Queensland, I asked then to make a submission and we funded it,” he said. “It was literally the first funding decision we made after we were sworn in.
“Now it’s in the air and we are buying a permanent helicopter for Townsville,” he added.
“It can get anywhere in Townsville in just seven minutes. The equipment is in direct response to changed offender behaviour and the need for police to quickly respond.”
The Premier also announced that Police in North Queensland would be provided with new digital encrypted radios under a $13.3 million investment.
Police Minister Mark Ryan said the new POLAIR and radios would equip North Queensland officers with a major resource to protect the public.
“I commend police for bringing this request to government and I know this new aerial capability is already making a difference in Townsville and beyond.”
Deputy Commissioner Cameron Harsley said the new helicopter was a tool which would bolster Police’s efforts.
“Already the interim aircraft has helped locate a missing child and assisted police with arrests,” he said.
“We look forward to the progress of a dedicated POLAIR helicopter, to permanently support the safety of both police and North Queenslanders.”
Queensland Police Union (QPU) Vice President Shane Prior said his union had advocated for a helicopter for North Queensland.
“A dedicated police helicopter for Townsville will deliver enhanced situational awareness for frontline police and provide high quality video evidence to assist with prosecuting offenders,” he said.
“The QPU advocated for a helicopter with a police observer on board, equipped with advanced camera optics including infrared capability, search light and supporting technology to provide livestream vision from the air to tactical commanders on the ground.
“The QPU will provide feedback to government from frontline police on the operational effectiveness of the contracted helicopter so the best equipment and practices are in place for delivery of the permanent POLAIR capability for Townsville.”
