Police aviation

{{Short description|Use of aircraft in police operations}} {{distinguish|Air Police}} {{redirect|Police helicopter|the Red Hot Chili Peppers song|The Red Hot Chili Peppers (album)}} [[File:Victoria Police (CHC Helicopters Australia) Eurocopter AS-365N-3 Dauphin 2 Vabre.jpg|thumb|A Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin operated by the Victoria Police Air Wing]] '''Police aviation''' is the use of aircraft in police operations. Police services commonly use aircraft for traffic control, ground support, search and rescue, high-speed car pursuits, observation, air patrol and control of large-scale public events and/or public order incidents. They may employ rotary-wing aircraft, fixed-wing aircraft, nonrigid-wing aircraft or lighter-than-air aircraft. In some major cities, police rotary-wing aircraft are also used as air transportation for personnel belonging to police tactical units. In large, sparsely populated areas, fixed-wing aircraft are sometimes used to transport personnel and equipment.

==History== The first police aviation department was established in New York City.<ref name="h1 ">{{cite news|url=http://www.lawofficer.com/article/patrol/fixed-wing-aircraft-law-enforc|title=Fixed Wing Aircraft in Law Enforcement|publisher=Lawofficer.com|author=Lt. Kenneth J. Solosky|date=January 3, 2003|access-date=2012-04-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130130052212/http://www.lawofficer.com/article/patrol/fixed-wing-aircraft-law-enforc|archive-date=January 30, 2013|url-status= dead}}</ref> Fixed-wing aircraft have generally been replaced by more versatile rotary-wing aircraft since the late 1940s. However, fixed-wing aircraft are still used in some missions, such as border patrol, as their higher speed and greater operating altitude allow larger areas to be covered.<ref name ="h1 " />

In 1921, the British airship R33 was used to help the police with traffic control around horse racing events at Epsom and Ascot.<ref name="r33">{{cite web|url=http://www.airshipsonline.com/airships/r33/R33-earlylife.html|title=R33 - G F A A G 1916- 1921 : Early Life|publisher=The Airship Heritage Trust|access-date=June 30, 2012}}</ref>

A large mural on the side of St. George's Town Hall in the East End of London depicting the 1936 Battle of Cable Street public order incident includes the police autogyro,<ref name="durham">{{cite web |url=http://londonmuralpreservationsociety.com/murals/battle-cable-street/ |title=The Battle of Cable Street mural, Shadwell |publisher=London Mural Preservation Society |access-date=2012-04-19 |archive-date=2014-11-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141124162037/http://londonmuralpreservationsociety.com/murals/battle-cable-street/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> that was present during the incident, overhead.<ref name="regina">{{cite web|url=http://www.mymuseumoflondon.org.uk/blogs/blog/how-the-east-was-won/|work=The working life of Museum of London|title=How the East was won|author=Museum staff|date=October 4, 2011|publisher=Museum of London|access-date=2012-04-19|archive-date=2012-08-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120805024953/http://www.mymuseumoflondon.org.uk/blogs/blog/how-the-east-was-won/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="saskatoon">{{cite book|url=http://www.libertarian.co.uk/lapubs/histn/histn028.pdf|title=British fascism and the measures taken against it by the British State|page=4|author=David Botsford|publisher=Libertarian Alliance|isbn=1-85637-397-5|year=1998|access-date=2012-04-19|archive-date=2009-10-02|archive-url=http://arquivo.pt/wayback/20091002043242/http%3A//www.libertarian.co.uk/lapubs/histn/histn028.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The first police aviation unit in China, the Wuhan Municipal Public Security Bureau Aviation Squad<ref name="wuhan">{{Cite web |date=2016-05-19 |title=Police buy 10 helicopters in record deal |url=https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2016-05/19/content_25361271.htm |website=China Daily}}</ref> was established in 1993 in the Wuhan municipal public security bureau.<ref name="shanghai"/> As of 2011, China operates a total of 20 police aviation units, with 35 police helicopters and 60 pilots.<ref name="shanghai">{{Cite web |date=2011-08-11 |title=上海警航队回应直升机查违章：成本应全面考虑 |url=https://www.chinanews.com.cn/fz/2011/08-11/3250683.shtml |website=China News Service}}</ref>

==Rotary-wing aircraft== [[File:LAPD AS350 - Hooper Heliport.jpg|thumb|Eurocopter AS350 Écureuil helicopters operated by the Los Angeles Police Department Air Support Division]] The most common form of police rotary-wing aircraft is the helicopter, but other types of rotary-wing aircraft such as autogyros are also used.<ref name ="rw2 ">{{cite web|url=http://www.myfoxhouston.com/dpp/news/scitech/110322-tomball-police-gyroplane |title=Tomball Police Equipped with Gyroplane |access-date=2012-04-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wired.com/autopia/2011/09/tomball-police-autogyro/ |title=Flying the Police Aircraft of the Future | website=Wired.com |access-date=2012-04-19 |date=2011-09-13}}</ref><ref name ="rw15 ">{{cite web|url=http://www.policeaviationnews.com/Acrobat/PANewsApril2011.pdf |title=Police Aviation News April 2011 p4 |access-date=2012-04-19}}</ref> The Groen Hawk 4 autogyro was used during the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah.<ref name ="rw3 ">{{cite web|url=http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=32b64ddd-24e0-487a-bbf7-dd62f386af7a |title=Olympic Security Aided by Groen Brothers' Hawk |access-date=2012-04-17}}</ref>

Police rotary-wing aircraft are sometimes equipped to perform multiple functions, or are designed so that equipment can be changed quickly when required for divergent roles. For example, a rotary-wing aircraft could be used for search-and-rescue, and then as an air ambulance.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/201203261567.html |title=allAfrica.com: Namibia: Air Wing to Cost Police Million |access-date=2012-04-19}}</ref> They have also been used to perform search and rescue, notably in China after Tropical Storm Bilis.<ref name="shanghai" />

Police forces sometimes use military surplus rotary-wing aircraft, such as the Bell UH-1 Huey.<ref name ="rw1 ">{{cite web|url=http://www.airliners.net/photo/Colombia---Police/Bell-UH-1H-Huey/1249607/M/|title=Photo of the UH-1H at the Airliners.net |access-date=2012-04-17}}</ref> Some policing organisations, such as the Policía Federal in Mexico, acquire new military rotary-wing aircraft such as the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk.<ref name ="AMTCOzSpecial ">{{cite web|url=http://www.policeaviationnews.com/Acrobat/AMTCOzSpecial.pdf |title=Police Aviation News February 2011 |access-date=2012-04-17}}</ref>{{rp|page=7}} However, most buy civilian rotary-wing aircraft directly from major aircraft companies<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.agustawestland.com/news/agustawestland-awarded-contract-maryland-state-police-aviation-command|title=AgustaWestland Awarded Contract by the Maryland State Police Aviation Command|access-date=2012-04-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101024091155/http://www.agustawestland.com/news/agustawestland-awarded-contract-maryland-state-police-aviation-command|archive-date=2010-10-24|url-status=dead}}</ref> or lease them from specialty suppliers.<ref name ="rw4 ">{{cite web |url=http://www.ukemergencyaviation.co.uk/Bond-Air-Services.htm |title=UK Emergency Aviation - Aircraft Providers & Maintenance - Bond Air Services |access-date=2012-04-17 |archive-date=2013-12-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131208082128/http://www.ukemergencyaviation.co.uk/Bond-Air-Services.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The use of police helicopters by the Los Angeles Police Department has been criticized for causing excessive noise and pollution and harming the well-being of community members.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Samuelson |first=Arielle |title=The environmental terrorism of police choppers |url=https://heated.world/p/the-environmental-terrorism-of-police |access-date=2023-05-04 |website=heated.world |language=en}}</ref>

==Fixed-wing and nonrigid-wing aircraft== [[File:PNC-0291 Cessna Ce.206 Policia Nacional (7502264522).jpg|thumb|A Cessna 206 and Piper PA-31 Navajo operated by the National Police of Colombia]] Some police air units also use fixed-wing aircraft, which allow higher and quieter surveillance,<ref name ="h1 " /> making it less likely that suspects will become aware they are being watched. A few police air units, such as the Northern Territory Police in Australia, use only fixed-wing aircraft.<ref name ="AMTCOzSpecial "/>{{rp|page=2}}<ref name="fw12 ">{{cite web |url=http://www.pilatus-enthusiasts.com.au/NTPolice.html |title=Pilatus Aircraft Enthusiasts - NT Police |access-date=2012-04-19 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320093227/http://pilatus-enthusiasts.com.au/NTPolice.html |archive-date=2012-03-20 }}</ref> The use of fixed-wing aircraft also allows for longer flying times and incurs lower running costs.<ref name="fw11 ">{{cite web|url=http://www.policeone.com/airborne-maritime/articles/1978321-Airplanes-are-still-a-vital-tool-in-law-enforcement/ |title=Airplanes are still a vital tool in law enforcement |work=PoliceOne |access-date=2012-04-19}}</ref> Fixed-wing aircraft are also used to transport prisoners,<ref name ="h1 " /> with the Justice Prisoner Air Transportation System (nicknamed "''Con Air''")<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usmarshals.gov/jpats/conair.htm |title=Con Air: America's High-Flying Paddy Wagon |publisher=Usmarshals.gov |date=2004-06-03 |access-date=2012-03-07 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207220129/http://www.usmarshals.gov/jpats/conair.htm |archive-date=2012-02-07 }}</ref> perhaps being the largest example of this use. Fixed-wing aircraft are also used to provide regular police patrols in remote communities and to transport investigators to remote crime scenes.<ref name="fw12 " /><ref name="fw11 " /> Light-sport aircraft<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wired.com/autopia/2011/09/california-sheriff-adds-light-sport-airplane-to-fleet/ |title=California Sheriff Adds Light Sport Airplane To Fleet - Autopia - Wired.com |access-date=2012-04-19 | first=Jason |last=Paur |date=2011-09-08}}</ref> and powered parachutes<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.riponpd.org/Units/SubPage/Powered-Parachute.html |title=Powered Parachute |publisher=Riponpd.org |access-date=2012-04-21 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120729002647/http://www.riponpd.org/Units/SubPage/Powered-Parachute.html |archive-date=2012-07-29 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Travel/story?id=7492914&page=1#.T5IE6zSwe3E |title=Paragliders Give Cops an Eye in the Sky |website=ABC News |access-date=2012-04-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://articles.wdbj7.com/2011-10-10/parachute_30265406 |title=Powered Parachute takes crime-fighting to new heights |access-date=2012-04-21 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120117224440/http://articles.wdbj7.com/2011-10-10/parachute_30265406 |archive-date=2012-01-17 }}</ref> can sometimes be used to provide a cost-effective replacement for helicopters in the observation platform role.[[File:Conair-Marshal.jpg|thumb|A U.S. Marshal on a "JPATS" flight used to transport prisoners]]The Edgley Optica was a British fixed-wing aircraft built for observation use and was used by the Hampshire Constabulary<ref name="fw9">{{cite magazine |date=30 August 1986 |title= No cause found for Optica crash|magazine=Flight International |page=54 | url = http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1986/1986%20-%202116.html|access-date=2012-04-16 }}</ref> as an alternative to rotary-wing aircraft.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fleetairarmarchive.net/daedalus/Police.html |title=About the Hampshire Police Air Support Unit at Lee on Solent |access-date=2012-04-20 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120329044448/http://www.fleetairarmarchive.net/Daedalus/Police.html |archive-date=2012-03-29 }}</ref> The Britten-Norman Defender is used by the Greater Manchester Police,<ref name="fw1">{{cite web |url=http://www.ukemergencyaviation.co.uk/policehelicopteram.htm |title=UK Emergency Aviation - UK & Ireland Police Helicopter Operations A-M |access-date=2012-04-16 |archive-date=2018-07-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180702025856/http://www.ukemergencyaviation.co.uk/policehelicopteram.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> the Police Service of Northern Ireland<ref name="fw2">{{cite web |url=http://www.ukemergencyaviation.co.uk/policehelicopternz.htm |title=UK Emergency Aviation - UK & Ireland Police Helicopter Operations N-Z |access-date=2012-04-16 |archive-date=2012-04-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120401041918/http://www.ukemergencyaviation.co.uk/policehelicopternz.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> and the Garda Síochána.<ref name="fw1" /> The FBI deployed a Britten-Norman Defender for electronic aerial surveillance at the Branch Davidian compound during the Waco siege in 1993.<ref>''FBI brings out secret electronics weapons as Waco siege drags on'', by James Adams. The Sunday Times, p. 23, 21 March 1993</ref> In Greater London, the Metropolitan Police Service has, for a number of years, reportedly been secretly using Cessna aircraft that have been fitted with surveillance equipment capable of intercepting mobile telephone calls and listening in on conversations.<ref name="fw4">{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/law-and-order/8857517/Met-Police-spends-millions-of-pounds-on-secret-aircraft.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111030112456/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/law-and-order/8857517/Met-Police-spends-millions-of-pounds-on-secret-aircraft.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2011-10-30 |title=Met Police spends millions of pounds on secret aircraft |access-date=2012-04-17 | work=The Daily Telegraph |first1=Jason |last1=Lewis |first2=Andy |last2=Blackmore |date=2011-10-29 |location=London}}</ref>

==Lighter-than-air aircraft== [[File:RNC 2004 police airship.jpg|thumb|right|A Skyship 600 used for observation by the New York City Police Department during the 2004 Republican National Convention]]

Police blimps were used to patrol the sky during the 2004 Republican National Convention,<ref name="ltw1 ">{{cite news |url=https://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/08/25/nypd.fujiblimp/index.html |title=Authorities are planning to employ a corporate blimp as an alternative intelligence gathering tool during next week's Republican National Convention in New York City |access-date=2012-04-16 |work=CNN |date=2004-08-30 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811110729/http://articles.cnn.com/2004-08-25/politics/nypd.fujiblimp_1_blimp-law-enforcement-convention-coverage?_s=PM:ALLPOLITICS |archive-date=2011-08-11 }}</ref> the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games and the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.<ref>{{citation | last = Lowry | first = N | contribution = Benign eye in the sky | pages = 29–33 | title = Lloyd's List Magazine | date = June 2004}}</ref> The blimp ''Santos-Dumont'', named for Alberto Santos-Dumont, operates in the Caribbean for the Special Anti-Crime Unit of Trinidad & Tobago (SAUTT), providing security surveillance. During April 2009, this blimp provided aerial surveillance of the 5th Summit of the Americas in Port-of-Spain.<ref>{{citation | last = Chamoff | first = L | contribution = Greenwich Firm's Blimp to Keep Eye on Summit in Trinidad | title = Stamford Advocate / Greenwich Time | date = April 17, 2009}}</ref> Greater Manchester Police began trial operations of a blimp in 2010 to provide surveillance for major events, which would be a cheaper alternative to the use of a helicopter in the long term. However, the blimp was only used on 18 occasions because of weather-related operational problems.<ref>{{Cite news |title=GMP's £80,000 police spy blimp is grounded - by the Manchester weather |url=http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1370943_gmps_80000_police_spy_blimp_is_grounded__by_the_manchester_weather |newspaper=Manchester Evening News |date=11 November 2010 |access-date=20 April 2012 |archive-date=12 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112200402/http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1370943_gmps_80000_police_spy_blimp_is_grounded__by_the_manchester_weather |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Unmanned aerial vehicles== {{main|Use of UAVs in law enforcement}} Police in some areas have started using unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, for surveillance operations.<ref name="fw5 ">{{cite web |url=http://www.click2houston.com/news/New-Police-Drone-Near-Houston-Could-Carry-Weapons/-/1735978/4717922/-/59xnnez/-/index.html |title=New Police Drone Near Houston Could Carry Weapons |access-date=2012-04-17 |archive-date=2013-12-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131230161925/http://www.click2houston.com/news/New-Police-Drone-Near-Houston-Could-Carry-Weapons/-/1735978/4717922/-/59xnnez/-/index.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="fw7 ">{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2011-dec-10-la-na-drone-arrest-20111211-story.html |title=Police employ Predator drone spy planes on home front |access-date=2012-04-17 | work=Los Angeles Times |first=Brian |last=Bennett |date=2011-12-10}}</ref> Unmanned aerial vehicles come in both fixed-wing and rotary-wing types.

== List of police aviation units == ;{{Globalize|date=April 2025|2=United States|section|reason=perhaps listing every single American police force that operates a helicopter is not a good idea.}}

=== Active units === Australia *New South Wales Police Force Aviation Command<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aviation Command - NSW Police Public Site |url=https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/about_us/organisational_structure/units/aviation_command |access-date=2025-01-02 |website=www.police.nsw.gov.au}}</ref> *Queensland Police Service<ref>{{Cite web|title=POLAIR - News, videos and community information from the Queensland Police Service Polair unit|url=https://mypolice.qld.gov.au/polair/|access-date=2020-11-10|website=POLAIR|language=en-AU}}</ref> (operated through Surf Life Saving Queensland Aviation) *South Australia Police *Victoria Police Air Wing *Western Australia Police Air Wing<ref>{{Cite web|last=n.a.|title=Police Air Wing|url=https://www.police.wa.gov.au/About-Us/Our-Agency/Specialist-Units/Police-Air-Wing|access-date=2020-11-10|website=Western Australia Police|language=en}}</ref> [[File:Landeanflug EC135 (cropped).jpg|right|thumb|A Eurocopter EC145 operated by the German Federal Police]] ;Austria *Air Police (''Flugpolizei'') of the Directorate General for Public Security<ref>{{Cite web|title=Mission possible: Austrian Police Air Support|url=https://verticalmag.com/features/mission-possible-austrian-police-air-support/|access-date=2020-11-16|website=Vertical Mag|language=en-US}}</ref> ;Canada *Calgary Police Service - HAWCS<ref>{{Cite web |last=n.a. |title=Helicopter Air Watch for Community Safety HAWCS |url=https://www.calgary.ca/cps/specialty-teams/helicopter-air-watch-for-community-safety-hawcs.html |access-date=2025-04-09 |website=www.calgary.ca |language=en}}</ref> *Durham Regional Police Service - Air Support Unit<ref name="durham" /> *Edmonton Police Service - Flight Operations<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Helicopter |url=https://www.edmontonpolice.ca/CommunityPolicing/OperationalServices/FlightOps/TheHelicopter |access-date=2025-04-09 |website=www.edmontonpolice.ca |language=en}}</ref> *Ontario Provincial Police - Joint Air Support Unit<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ontario acquiring 5 new helicopters to target auto theft, road safety |url=https://verticalmag.com/news/ontario-acquiring-5-new-helicopters-to-target-auto-theft-road-safety/ |access-date=2025-04-09 |website=Vertical Mag |language=en-US}}</ref> *Regina Police Service - Aerial Support Unit<ref name="regina" /> *Royal Canadian Mounted Police - Air Services branch<ref>{{Cite web |last=n.a. |date=2015-05-01 |title=Air Services Branch |url=https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/to-ot/asb-sa-eng.htm |access-date=2024-12-15 |website=Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Government of Canada}}</ref> *Saskatoon Police Service - Air Support Unit<ref name="saskatoon" /> *Quebec Provincial Police - Air Operations<ref>{{Cite web |title=Patrimoine de la Sûreté du Québec {{!}} Hélicoptères et opérations aériennes à la Sûreté du Québec |url=https://www.patrimoine.sq.gouv.qc.ca/evenement/Helicopteres-et-operations-aeriennes-a-la-Surete-du-Quebec-0053 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119120430/https://www.patrimoine.sq.gouv.qc.ca/Evenement/Helicopteres-et-operations-aeriennes-a-la-Surete-du-Quebec-0053 |archive-date=2024-01-19 |access-date=2025-04-09 |website=Patrimoine de la Sûreté du Québec |language=fr-CA}}</ref> *Winnipeg Police Service - Flight Operations Unit<ref>{{Cite web |last=n.a. |date=2022-07-28 |title=Air 1 Helicopter- Flight Operations Unit |url=https://winnipegpolice.substack.com/p/air-1-helicopter-flight-operations |access-date=2025-04-09 |website=Tried and True |publisher=Winnipeg Police Service}}</ref> *York Regional Police - Air Support Unit<ref name="r33" /> ;China * Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau Police Aviation Unit<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-04-05 |title=清明小长假游客减消费增 |url=https://m.bjnews.com.cn/detail/155144677914688.html |website=The Beijing news}}</ref> * Wuhan Municipal Public Security Bureau Aviation Squad<ref name="wuhan" /> * Guangdong Provincial Public Security Department Police Aviation Unit<ref>{{Cite web |title=机构职能 |trans-title=Organization |url=http://gdga.gd.gov.cn/gkmlpt/index#1063 |access-date=2025-03-15 |website=Guangdong Public Security Department}}</ref> * Shanghai Municipal Public Security Bureau {{Ill|Shanghai Municipal Public Security Bureau Police Aviation Force|lt=Police Aviation Force|zh|上海市政府飞行队}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-07-14 |title=上海市公安局机构设置 |url=https://gaj.sh.gov.cn/shga/wzXxfbZfgkxx/detail?pa=7e6fb2fa2038e3833bffdb512fe1d19141608a4808b7cf0e3e745d14125667ee5d2890feca604032 |access-date=2025-05-15 |website=Shanghai Municipal Public Security Bureau}}</ref> * 1st Mobile Corps Helicopter Detachment<ref name="Wuthnow2019">{{cite book |last=Wuthnow |first=Joel |url=https://inss.ndu.edu/Portals/82/China%20SP%2014%20Final%20for%20Web.pdf |title=China's Other Army: The People's Armed Police in an Era of Reform |date=16 April 2019 |publisher=Institute for National Strategic Studies |location=Washington |access-date=3 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200704193636/https://inss.ndu.edu/Portals/82/China%20SP%2014%20Final%20for%20Web.pdf |archive-date=4 July 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> * 2nd Mobile Corps Helicopter Detachment<ref name="Wuthnow2019"/> ;Hong Kong [[File:US Navy 031101-N-8955H-004 A Hong Kong Government Services EC 155 Dauphin helicopter hovers over the flight deck of USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) during joint training with the Seventh Fleet Flag Ship in Hong Kong harbor.jpg|thumb|A Eurocopter EC155 operated by the Government Flying Service]] *Hong Kong Government Flying Service<ref>{{Cite web |title=Government Flying Service - Service & Operation |url=https://www.gfs.gov.hk/eng/service.htm |access-date=2020-11-16 |website=www.gfs.gov.hk}}</ref>

;Cyprus *Cyprus Police Aviation Unit<ref>{{Cite web|title=Αστυνομία Κύπρου|url=http://www.police.gov.cy/index_gr/index_gr?opendocument|access-date=2020-11-16|website=www.police.gov.cy|language=el}}</ref> ;France *National Gendarmerie Forces aériennes de la Gendarmerie ;Germany *Federal Police - ''Bundespolizei-Flugdienst (BPOLFLD)''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bundespolizei - Bundespolizei-Flugdienst |url=https://www.bundespolizei.de/Web/DE/05Die-Bundespolizei/04Einsatzkraefte/04_Flugdienst/Flugdienst_node.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240205063647/https://www.bundespolizei.de/Web/DE/05Die-Bundespolizei/04Einsatzkraefte/04_Flugdienst/Flugdienst_node.html |archive-date=2024-02-05 |access-date=2025-01-03 |website=www.bundespolizei.de |language=de}}</ref> * Baden-Württemberg State Police - ''Polizeihubschrauberstaffel'' * Bavarian State Police - ''Polizeihubschrauberstaffel'' * Berlin State Police - ''Polizeihubschrauberstaffel'' * Brandenburg State Police - ''Polizeihubschrauberstaffel'' * Hamburg State Police - ''Polizeihubschrauberstaffel'' * Hesse State Police - ''Polizeifliegerstaffel'' * Mecklenburg-Vorpommern state maritime police, the ''Wasserschutzpolizei'' - ''Polizeihubschrauberstaffel'' * North Rhine-Westphalia State Police - ''Polizeifliegerstaffel'' * Rhineland-Palatinate State Police - ''Polizeihubschrauberstaffel'' ;Indonesia *Indonesian National Police Marine and Air Corps - Air Police Directorate ;Iran *Iranian Police Aviation ;Ireland *Garda Air Support Unit ;Japan *Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department Aviation Unit<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-10-28 |title=Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department becomes Japan's first H215 operator {{!}} Airbus |url=https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2017-06-tokyo-metropolitan-police-department-becomes-japans-first-h215 |access-date=2024-12-15 |website=www.airbus.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Police Air Units {{!}} J-HangarSpace: Information on Japanese Aviation |url=https://www.j-hangarspace.jp/police-air-units |access-date=2024-12-15}}</ref> ;Malaysia *Royal Malaysian Police Air Wing Unit ;Mexico [[File:Jornadas Policiales de Vigo, 22-28 de junio de 2012 (7420043610).jpg|right|thumb|An MBB Bo 105 operated by the Spanish National Police Corps]] *Mexico City Police Condor Group ;Netherlands *Police Aviation Service ;New Zealand *Eagle Helicopter Unit ;North Macedonia *Macedonian police helicopter unit ;Oman *Royal Oman Police - Police Aviation Directorate ;Panama *National Aeronaval Service ;Philippines *Philippine National Police Air Unit ;Romania *General Inspectorate of Aviation ;Saudi Arabia *General Directorate of Public Security Aviation Command<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aviation Security |url=https://www.moi.gov.sa/wps/portal/Home/sectors/aviationsecurity/ |access-date=December 15, 2024 |website=KSA Ministry of Interior}}</ref> ;Serbia *Police of Serbia Helicopter Unit ;South Africa *South African Police Service Air Wing ;South Korea *National Police Agency Aviation Division<ref>{{Cite web |title=Organization : HOME > About KNPA > About KNPA > Organization |url=https://www.police.go.kr/eng/knpa/org/org01.jsp#:~:text=Korean%20National%20Police%20Agency%20is,are%20responsible%20for%20basic%20policing. |access-date=2025-01-02 |website=www.police.go.kr}}</ref> ;Taiwan *National Airborne Service Corps ;Uganda *Uganda Police Force Air Wing ;United Kingdom *National Police Air Service *Police Scotland Air Support Unit {{Citation needed|date=March 2021}} *Police Service of Northern Ireland Air Support Unit ;United States of America Many local, state, and federal US law enforcement agencies operate helicopters, and some operate fixed-wing aircraft. ;Federal agencies *Justice Prisoner Air Transportation System Air Operations Division *State Department Air Wing<ref>{{Cite web |title=Air Wing Program |url=https://www.state.gov/air-wing-program/ |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=United States Department of State |language=en}}</ref> *United States Fish and Wildlife Service Branch of Aviation Management<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aviation {{!}} What We Do {{!}} U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service |url=https://www.fws.gov/program/aviation/what-we-do |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=www.fws.gov |language=en}}</ref> *United States Park Police Aviation Unit<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aviation Unit - United States Park Police (U.S. National Park Service) |url=https://www.nps.gov/subjects/uspp/aviation-unit.htm |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=www.nps.gov |language=en}}</ref> ; Alabama * Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Aviation Unit<ref>{{Cite web | title=Administrative Bureau {{!}} Alabama Law Enforcement Agency | url=https://www.alea.gov/office-of-the-secretary/administration#:~:text=The%20Aviation%20Unit%20%2D%20Consists%20of,missing%20person%20searches%2C%20and%20manhunts. | access-date=2025-03-31 | website=www.alea.gov}}</ref> * Dale County Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit: 2 Bell OH-58 Kiowa helicopters, 1 MD 600N helicopter, and 1 Cessna Skylane 182RG fixed-wing aircraft<ref>{{Cite web | title=Aviation - Dale County Sheriff's Office | url=http://daleso.com/page.php?id=2 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150812204628/http://daleso.com/page.php?id=2 | access-date=2025-03-31 | archive-date=2015-08-12}}</ref> * Etowah County Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit: 1 Bell OH-58C helicopter<ref>{{Cite web | title=Aviation Unit {{!}} Etowah County Sheriff's Office | url=https://www.etowahcountysheriff.com/aviation-unit | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220518095618/https://www.etowahcountysheriff.com/aviation-unit | access-date=2025-03-31 | archive-date=2022-05-18}}</ref> * Oxford Police Department's Aviation Support Unit: 1 MD Helicopters MD 500<ref>{{Cite web | title=Blades of Valor Road Tour: An inside look at Oxford Police Department - Vertical Mag | url=https://verticalmag.com/news/blades-of-valor-road-tour-an-inside-look-at-oxford-police-department/ | access-date=2025-03-31 | website=verticalmag.com}}</ref> * Shelby County Sheriff's Office Air Support Unit: 1 Bell TH-67 Creek helicopter, 1 Bell 206 JetRanger helicopter, and 1 OH-58 Kiowa helicopter<ref>{{Cite web | title=Air Support Unit {{!}} Shelby County Sheriff, AL | url=https://www.shelbyso.com/207/Air-Support-Unit | access-date=2025-03-31 | website=www.shelbyso.com}}</ref> * Tuscaloosa Police Department Air Patrol Division: 4 Bell OH-58 Kiowa helicopters<ref>{{Cite web | title=Alabama PD Debuts New Air Patrol Division Hangar - Police - Government Fleet | url=https://www.government-fleet.com/10190581/alabama-pd-debuts-new-air-patrol-division-hangar | access-date=2025-03-31 | website=www.government-fleet.com}}</ref> ; Alaska {| class="wikitable" |+ !Agency !Unit !Rotary Assets !Fixed-Wing Assets |- |Alaska Department of Public Safety |Aircraft Section |Eurocopter AS350 Squirrel Robinson R44 |Cessna 185 Skywagon Cessna 208 Caravan

Piper PA-18 Super Cub

Beechcraft Super King Air<ref>{{Cite web |title=Home - Aircraft - AST - Alaska Department of Public Safety |url=https://dps.alaska.gov/AST/Aircraft/Home |access-date=2025-03-31 |website=dps.alaska.gov}}</ref> |} ; Arizona {| class="wikitable" |+ !Agency !Unit !Rotary Assets !Fixed-Wing Assets |- |Arizona Department of Public Safety |Aviation Bureau |3 Bell 429 GlobalRanger 2 Bell 407 |2 King Air<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aviation Services {{!}} Department of Public Safety |url=https://www.azdps.gov/organization/aviation-services |access-date=2025-03-31 |website=www.azdps.gov}}</ref> |- |Mesa Police Department |Air Support Unit |3 MD Helicopters MD 500 |1 Cessna 172 Skyhawk 1 Cessna 210 Centurion<ref>{{Cite web |title=Air Support Unit (Falcon Field) - City of Mesa |url=https://www.mesaaz.gov/Public-Safety/Mesa-Police/About-Mesa-Police/Air-Support-Unit |access-date=2025-03-31 |website=www.mesaaz.gov}}</ref> |- |Peoria Police Department |Aviation Unit |1 Bell 505<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aviation Unit {{!}} City of Peoria |url=https://www.peoriaaz.gov/government/mayor-and-city-council/priorities/public-safety/aviation-unit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240509055152/https://www.peoriaaz.gov/government/mayor-and-city-council/priorities/public-safety/aviation-unit |archive-date=2024-05-09 |access-date=2025-03-31}}</ref> | |- |Phoenix Police Department |Air Support Unit |1 Agusta A109E 5 Eurocopter AS350B3 Ecureuil |1 Cessna 172 Skyhawk 1 Cessna 182 Skylane

1 Cessna 210 Centurion

1 Pilatus PC-12NG<ref>{{Cite web |title=Police Air Support Unit |url=https://www.phoenix.gov:443/police/help/air-support |access-date=2020-11-10 |website=www.phoenix.gov |language=en-US}}</ref> |} [[File:MSP Trooper 3 AW139 N382MD MD1.jpg|thumb|An AgustaWestland AW139 operated by the Maryland State Police]] ; Arkansas * Arkansas State Police Air Support Unit: 1 Bell 407, 1 Cessna 206, and 1 Beechcraft B200 King Air<ref>{{Cite web | title=Your Arkansas State Police - Arkansas Department of Public Safety | url=https://dps.arkansas.gov/law-enforcement/arkansas-state-police/your-arkansas-state-police/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240930183258/https://www.dps.arkansas.gov/law-enforcement/arkansas-state-police/your-arkansas-state-police/ | access-date=2025-03-31 | archive-date=2024-09-30}}</ref> * Baxter County Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit: 1 Bell OH-58<ref>{{Cite web | title=Aviation - Baxter County Sheriff's Office | url=https://www.baxtercountysheriff.com/aviation | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217001035/https://www.baxtercountysheriff.com/aviation | access-date=2025-03-31 | archive-date=2019-02-17}}</ref> * Benton County Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit: 2 Bell OH-58A helicopters<ref>{{Cite web | title=Aviation Unit {{!}} Benton County Sheriff's Office | url=https://sheriff.bentoncountyar.gov/air-support-unit/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001081046/https://sheriff.bentoncountyar.gov/air-support-unit/ | access-date=2025-03-31 | archive-date=2020-10-01}}</ref> * Little Rock Police Department Aviation Unit<ref>{{Cite web | title=Divisions {{!}} City of Little Rock | url=https://www.littlerock.gov/residents/police-department/divisions/ | access-date=2025-03-31 | website=www.littlerock.gov}}</ref> * Mississippi County Aviation Unit: 2 Bell OH-58A helicopters<ref>{{Cite web | title=Aviation & Marine Patrol - Mississippi County AR Sheriff | url=https://www.mississippicountysheriffar.org/aviation-and-marine-patrol | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200428174118/https://www.mississippicountysheriffar.org/aviation-and-marine-patrol | access-date=2025-03-31 | archive-date=2020-04-28}}</ref> ; California *California Highway Patrol Office of Air Operations<ref>{{Cite web|title=Office of Air Operations|url=https://www.chp.ca.gov/find-an-office/headquarters/assistant-commissioner-field/office-of-air-operations|access-date=2020-11-10|website=www.chp.ca.gov}}</ref> *LAPD Air Support Division<ref>{{Cite web|title=Air Support Division - Los Angeles Police Department|url=http://www.lapdonline.org/air_support_division|access-date=2020-11-06|website=www.lapdonline.org}}</ref> *Los Angeles County Sheriff's Aero Bureau ; Colorado * Denver Police Department Air Support Unit<ref>{{Cite web |title=Denver police are trading their helicopter for a new $5 million chopper |author=Andrew Kenney |work=Denverite |date=7 August 2018 |access-date=22 July 2022 |url= https://denverite.com/2018/08/07/denver-police-new-helicopter/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Denver Police use helicopter to find illegal street races |author= |work=KUSA.com |date=19 March 2021 |access-date=22 July 2022 |url= https://www.9news.com/article/news/crime/denver-drag-racing-citations-helicopter-surveillance/73-6cf5af5c-4c3c-4d9d-8eb6-b6d047bf2c2a}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Denver Police Air Support Unit: Mountain High |url=https://verticalmag.com/features/denver-police-air-support-unit-mountain-high/ |access-date=2024-12-17 |website=Vertical Mag |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Police Directory |url=https://www.denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Police-Department/Police-Directory |access-date=2024-12-17 |website=www.denvergov.org |language=en-US}}</ref> ; Connecticut * New Milford Police Aviation Unit<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.newmilfordpolice.org/aviationunit/ | title=Aviation Unit – New Milford Police }}</ref> ; Delaware * Delaware State Police Aviation Section<ref>{{cite web | url=https://dsp.delaware.gov/units/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180928134405/https://dsp.delaware.gov/units/ | url-status=dead | archive-date=September 28, 2018 | title=Units/Sections }}</ref> ; District of Columbia * Metropolitan Police Air Support Unit<ref>{{cite web | url=https://mpdc.dc.gov/page/air-support-unit-falcon | title=Air Support Unit (Falcon) &#124; MPDC }}</ref> ; Florida * Marion County Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit - at least four helicopters<ref>{{Cite web |title=AVIATION UNIT — Marion County Sheriff's Office |author= |work=Marion County Sheriff's Office |date= |access-date=22 July 2022 |url= https://www.marionso.com/aviation-unit}}</ref> ; Georgia * Atlanta Police Department Helicopter Unit: 3 MD530F helicopters<ref>{{Cite web | title=Just Helicopters > Articles and News > Community Articles | url=https://justhelicopters.com/Articles-and-News/Community-Articles/Article/178976/FLIGHT-OF-THE-PHOENIX-Atlanta-Police-Aviation | access-date=2025-03-31 | website=justhelicopters.com}}</ref> * Clayton County Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit<ref>{{Cite web | title=Clayton County, Georgia Police Department Official Website | url=https://www.claytonpolice.com/organization/field-operations-command/special-operations-division/aviation/ | access-date=2025-03-31 | website=www.claytonpolice.com}}</ref> * Dekalb County Ariel Support Unit: 2 Eurocopter AS-350 helicopters<ref>{{Cite web | title=Aerial Support {{!}} DeKalb County GA | url=https://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/police-services/ariel-support | access-date=2025-03-31 | website=www.dekalbcountyga.gov}}</ref> * Georgia Department of Natural Resources Aviation Unit: 3 Bell 407 helicopters<ref>{{Cite web | title=Aviation Unit {{!}} Department Of Natural Resources Division | url=https://gadnrle.org/aviation-unit | access-date=2025-03-31 | website=gadnrle.org}}</ref> * Georgia State Patrol Aviation Division<ref>{{Cite web | title=Aviation {{!}} Georgia Department of Public Safety | url=https://dps.georgia.gov/contacts/commissioners-office/aviation | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731162832/https://dps.georgia.gov/contacts/commissioners-office/aviation | url-status=dead | archive-date=July 31, 2021 | access-date=2025-03-31 | website=dps.georgia.gov}}</ref> ; Hawaii * Honolulu Police Department Helicopter Section<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.honolulupd.org/policy/policy-helicopter-section/|title=Helicopter Section|website=Honolulu Police Department}}</ref> ; Idaho * Kootenai County Sheriff's Office Regional Air Support<ref>{{cite web | title=Kootenai County Sheriff's Office Regional Air Support | url=https://kcrasu.com/ }}</ref> ; Illinois * Chicago Police Department Marine and Helicopter Unit<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.chicagopolice.org/specialized-units/marine-and-helicopter-unit/|title=Marine and Helicopter Unit (MHU) – Chicago Police Department}}</ref> * Illinois State Police Air Operations Bureau<ref>{{Cite web | title=Special Operations Command | url=https://isp.illinois.gov/CriminalInvestigations/SpecialOpsCommand | access-date=2025-03-31 | website=isp.illinois.gov}}</ref> ; Indiana * Fort Wayne Police Department Air Support Unit<ref>{{Cite web | title=Air Support Unit - Fort Wayne Police Department | url=https://www.fwpd.org/divisions/special-operations/air-support-unit | access-date=2025-03-31 | website=www.fwpd.org}}</ref> * Indiana State Police Aviation Section: 3 helicopters, and 2 fixed-winged planes<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.in.gov/isp/commands/special-operations/|title=Special Operations|date=August 12, 2021|website=ISP}}</ref> * Lake County Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit: 1 Eurocopter EC-120 helicopter, 2 OH-58 helicopters, and 1 UH-1H helicopters<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://lakecountysheriff.com/page.php?id=65|title=Lake County Sheriff - Aviation Unit|website=lakecountysheriff.com}}</ref> ; Iowa * Cedar Rapids Police Department<ref>{{Cite web | title=Time Machine: Sky patrol {{!}} The Gazette | url=https://www.thegazette.com/history/time-machine-sky-patrol/ | access-date=2025-03-31 | website=www.thegazette.com}}</ref> * Iowa State Patrol Air Wing Unit<ref>{{Cite web | title=Air Wing Unit {{!}} Iowa Department of Public Safety | url=https://dps.iowa.gov/air-wing-unit#:~:text=The%20primary%20mission%20of%20the,with%20many%20other%20diverse%20duties. | access-date=2025-03-31 | website=dps.iowa.gov}}</ref> ; Kansas * Kansas Highway Patrol Troop T - Aircraft: 1 Bell 407 helicopter, 1 Airbus H125 helicopter, 1 Cessna 182 RG fixed-wing aircraft, 3 Cessna 206 fixed-wing aircraft, and a 2001 King Air 350 for Executive transport for state officials<ref>{{Cite web | title=Troop T - Aircraft {{!}} Kansas Highway Patrol, KS | url=https://kansashighwaypatrol.gov/find-a-troop/troop-location-map/special-operations/troop-t-aircraft/ | access-date=2025-03-31 | website=kansashighwaypatrol.gov}}</ref> ; Maine * Maine State Police Air Wing<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.maine.gov/dps/msp/specialty-units/air-wing | title=Air Wing &#124; Maine State Police }}</ref> - 2 Cessna 183 fixed-wing aircraft * Maine Forest Service Forest Protection Aviation Branch<ref>{{Cite web| title=The role of Maine's forest protection air fleet | url=https://legislature.maine.gov/doc/6725 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816095043/https://legislature.maine.gov/doc/6725 | archive-date=2022-08-16}}</ref> - 2 Bell 407 helicopters, 5 UH-1H (Huey) helicopters, and 3 fixed-wing aircraft * Maine Marine Patrol<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.maine.gov/dmr/marine-patrol/media/marine-patrol-equipment | title=Marine Patrol Equipment &#124; Department of Marine Resources }}</ref> - 1 Kodiak 100 fixed-wing aircraft<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.businessairnews.com/mag_story.html?ident=31376 | title=Maine receives Kodiak 100 for maritime missions &#124; Magazine &#124; Business Air News }}</ref> * Maine Warden Service Aviation Division<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.maine.gov/ifw/warden-service/specialty-teams/index.html | title=Specialty Teams: Warden Service: Maine Dept of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife }}</ref> - 3 fixed-wing aircraft ; Maryland * Maryland State Police Aviation Command * Anne Arundel County Police Aviation Unit<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.helis.com/database/sqd/Anne-Arundel-County-Police/ | title=Anne Arundel County Police Department - State of Maryland }}</ref> * Baltimore Police Aviation Unit<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.baltimorepolice.org/transparency/bpd-policies/1603-aviation-unit | title=Aviation Unit &#124; Baltimore Police Department }}</ref> * Baltimore County Police Department: 3 AS350B3 helicopters<ref>{{Cite web |title=Specialized Units - Baltimore County |author=rgilley |work=baltimorecountymd.gov |date=7 July 2022 |access-date=22 July 2022 |url= https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/police/specialized-units/index.html#aviation}}</ref> * Prince George's County Police Aviation Section<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.mdhelicopters.com/prince-georges-county-police-department-to-expand-aviation-section-with-new-md-520n/ | title=Prince George's County Police Department to Expand Aviation Section with New MD 520N | date=19 May 2017 }}</ref> ; Massachusetts * Massachusetts State Police Air Wing<ref>{{Cite web | title=Specialized Units {{!}} Mass.gov | url=https://www.mass.gov/info-details/specialized-units#:~:text=The%20Air%20Wing%20provides%20the,Commonwealth%20365%20days%20a%20year. | access-date=2025-03-31 | website=www.mass.gov}}</ref> ; Nebraska * Nebraska State Patrol Aviation Support Division: 1 Bell 407 helicopter, 3 Cessna T206H Turbo Stationair fixed-wing aircraft, and 1 Piper Super Cub<ref>{{Cite web | title=Aviation Support {{!}} Nebraska State Patrol | url=https://statepatrol.nebraska.gov/divisions/field-services/aviation-support | access-date=2025-03-31 | website=statepatrol.nebraska.gov}}</ref> * Omaha Police Department Air Support Unit: 2 Bell 206 helicopters<ref>{{Cite web | title=Omaha Police Department to acquire new helicopter {{!}} AirMed&Rescue | url=https://www.airmedandrescue.com/latest/news/omaha-police-department-acquire-new-helicopter | access-date=2025-03-31 | website=www.airmedandrescue.com}}</ref> ; Nevada * Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Air Support Unit<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hot, High & Heavy |author= |work=heliopsmag.com |date=12 December 2018 |access-date=22 July 2022 |url= https://www.heliopsmag.com/hot-high-heavy |quote=The newest addition to the LVMPD aircraft fleet is an Airbus H145, making the department the first law enforcement agency in the continental US to operate the type }}</ref> ; New Hampshire * New Hampshire State Police Special Enforcement Unit (SEU)<ref>{{Cite web | title=Special Enforcement {{!}} NH State Police | url=https://www.nhsp.dos.nh.gov/our-services/field-operations-bureau/special-enforcement | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220122195840/https://www.nhsp.dos.nh.gov/our-services/field-operations-bureau/special-enforcement | access-date=2025-03-31 | archive-date=2022-01-22}}</ref> ; New Jersey * New Jersey State Police - Special Operations Section - Aviation Bureau<ref>{{Cite web |title=Special Operations Section {{!}} New Jersey State Police |url=https://www.nj.gov/njsp/division/homeland-security/special-operations.shtml |access-date=2024-12-19 |website=www.nj.gov}}</ref> ; New York * New York State Police Aviation Unit * Erie County Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www4.erie.gov/sheriff/aviation-unit | title=Aviation Unit &#124; Erie County Sheriff's Office }}</ref> * New York City Police Department Aviation Unit * New York City Department of Environmental Protection Police Aviation Unit * Nassau County Police Department Aviation Unit<ref>{{Cite web |last=n.a. |title=Nassau County suffers from shortage of police helicopter pilots |url=https://www.airmedandrescue.com/latest/news/nassau-county-suffers-shortage-police-helicopter-pilots |access-date=2025-01-02 |website=www.airmedandrescue.com |language=en}}</ref> * Onondaga County Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit<ref>{{cite web | url=https://sheriff.ongov.net/police/aviation-unit/ | title=Aviation Unit | date=6 May 2016 }}</ref> * Suffolk County Police Department Aviation Section<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aviation |url=https://suffolkpd.org/Precincts-and-Specialized-Units/Specialized-Units/Aviation |access-date=2024-12-15 |website=suffolkpd.org}}</ref> * Westchester County Police Aviation Unit<ref>{{cite web | url=https://publicsafety.westchestergov.com/special-operations/aviation-unit | title=Aviation Unit }}</ref> ; North Carolina * North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation Air Wing * North Carolina Highway Patrol Aviation * North Carolina Marine Patrol Aviation * Brunswick County Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.brunswicksheriff.com/divisions/special-operations/aviation-unit | title=Aviation Unit &#124; Brunswick County Sheriff's Office | date=17 September 2015 }}</ref> * Robeson County Sheriff's Office Aviation Division<ref>{{cite web | url=http://robesoncoso.org/aviation-division/ | title=Aviation Division &#124; Robeson County NC Sheriff's Office | work=Robeson County NC Sheriff's Office &#124; Robeson County NC Sheriff's Office | date=6 November 2023 }}</ref> * Wayne County Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.waynegov.com/381/Aviation-Unit | title=Aviation Unit &#124; Wayne County, NC }}</ref> ; North Dakota * North Dakota Highway Patrol Aircraft<ref>{{Cite web| title=NDHP Aircraft Enforcement | url=https://www.nd.gov/ndhp/sites/www/files/documents/News/2021%20Media%20Release/October-2021-Media-Release/2021.10.6.Bismarck.Mandan%20Traffic%20Detail.pdf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211229142456/https://www.nd.gov/ndhp/sites/www/files/documents/News/2021%20Media%20Release/October-2021-Media-Release/2021.10.6.Bismarck.Mandan%20Traffic%20Detail.pdf | archive-date=2021-12-29}}</ref> ; Ohio [[File:Ohio State Highway Patrol Cessna 182 (48560518941).jpg|thumb|A Cessna 182 Skylane operated by the Ohio State Highway Patrol]] * Ohio State Highway Patrol Aviation Section<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://statepatrol.ohio.gov/services/aviation|title=Aviation|website=statepatrol.ohio.gov}}</ref> * Cleveland Police Department Aviation Unit<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.burkeairport.com/business-opportunities/tenant-list/cleveland-police-department-aviation-unit | title=Premier Business Airport in Cleveland &#124; Burke Lakefront Airport }}</ref> ; Oklahoma * Oklahoma City Police Department Air Support Unit: 2 Airbus H125 helicopters<ref>{{Cite web| title=Police Support Units | url=https://www.okc.gov/departments/police/about-us/police-support-units | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200908112041/https://www.okc.gov/departments/police/about-us/police-support-units | archive-date=2020-09-08}}</ref> * Oklahoma Highway Patrol Troop O - Aircraft: 9 fixed-wing aircraft, 2 helicopters<ref>{{Cite web | title=Troops | url=https://oklahoma.gov/dps/programs-services/ohp/troops.html | access-date=2025-03-31 | website=oklahoma.gov}}</ref> * Tulsa Police Department Air Support Unit: 1 Airbus AS 3503B<ref>{{Cite web | title=Special Operations Division {{!}} Tulsa Police Department | url=https://www.tulsapolice.org/special-operations-division | access-date=2025-03-31 | website=www.tulsapolice.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | title='An outstanding bird': Tulsa Police Department debuts new helicopter | url=https://www.kjrh.com/news/local-news/an-outstanding-bird-tulsa-police-department-debuts-new-helicopter | access-date=2025-03-31 | website=www.kjrh.com| date=17 April 2024 }}</ref> ; Oregon * Oregon State Police Aviation Unit - four fixed-wing Cessnas<ref>{{Cite web |title=Oregon State Police Fish & Wildlife- Aviation Unit |author= |work=ALL THINGS OSP |date= 28 July 2021|access-date=22 July 2022 |url= https://allthingsosp.org/?p=193}}</ref> * Clackamas County Sheriff Air Support Unit - one Cessna 182<ref>{{Cite web |title=Air Unit {{!}} Clackamas County |author= |work=clackamas.us |date= |access-date=22 July 2022 |url= https://www.clackamas.us/sheriff/aero.html}}</ref> * Portland Police Air Support Unit<ref>{{Cite web |title=Air Support Unit|author= |date= |access-date=22 July 2022 |url= https://www.portland.gov/police/divisions/air-support-unit}}</ref> ; Pennsylvania * Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Emergency and Special Operations Aviation Units<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.pa.gov/en/agencies/psp/programs/law-enforcement-services/aviation.html | title=Aviation &#124; State Police &#124; Commonwealth of Pennsylvania }}</ref> * Philadelphia Police Aviation Unit<ref>{{Cite web| title=Aviation unit | url=https://www.phillypolice.com/assets/directives/D4.9-AviationUnit.pdf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151207162439/http://www.phillypolice.com/assets/directives/D4.9-AviationUnit.pdf | archive-date=2015-12-07}}</ref> ; Puerto Rico * Puerto Rico Joint Forces of Rapid Action * Puerto Rico Natural Resources Ranger Corps Aerial Patrol<ref>{{Cite web| title=Ranger corps of the department of natural resources, Puerto Rico | url=https://seafwa.org/sites/default/files/journal-articles/MENDEZ-664-666.pdf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121001011/https://seafwa.org/sites/default/files/journal-articles/MENDEZ-664-666.pdf | archive-date=2022-01-21}}</ref> ; South Dakota * South Dakota Highway Patrol Aviation Unit - One Cessna T206<ref>{{Cite web |title=Highway Patrol Aircraft {{!}} SD DPS |url=https://dps.sd.gov/safety-enforcement/highway-patrol/special-services-programs/aircraft |access-date=2024-01-27 |website=dps.sd.gov |language=en}}</ref> ; Texas * Texas Department of Public Safety Aircraft Section ; Utah * Utah Department of Public Safety Aero Bureau (helicopters)<ref>{{Cite web |title=DPS helicopter flights up; budget falls flat |last=Ryan |first=MacKenzie |work=KUTV |date=24 August 2020 |access-date=22 July 2022 |url= https://kutv.com/news/local/dps-helicopter-flights-up-budget-falls-flat |quote=Utah Highway Patrol's Aero Bureau }}</ref> ; Virginia * Virginia State Police 3 airplanes, 7 helicopters<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aviation Division - Virginia State Police |author= |work=Virginia State Police |date= |access-date=22 July 2022 |url= https://vsp.virginia.gov/safety-and-enforcement/aviation-unit/}}</ref> * Fairfax County Police Department Helicopter Division (two helicopters)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fairfax 1 {{!}} Police |url=https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/helicopterdivision/fairfax1 |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=www.fairfaxcounty.gov}}</ref> * Henrico County Metro Aviation Unit<ref>{{Cite web| title=Police – Metro aviation unit | url=https://henrico.gov/pdfs/finance/WebProposedFY2020/12b.pdf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240823153700/https://henrico.gov/pdfs/finance/WebProposedFY2020/12b.pdf | archive-date=2024-08-23}}</ref> * Virginia Beach Police Department Special Operations Aviation Unit<ref>{{cite web | url=https://police.virginiabeach.gov/your-vbpd/explore-the-department/special-operations | title=Special Operations }}</ref> ; Washington * Washington State Patrol: Special Operations Division: Aviation Section<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bureaus - WSP |author=n.a. |work=WSP |date= 15 August 2017|access-date=22 July 2022 |url= https://www.wsp.wa.gov/about-us/bureaus/ |quote=The Special Operations Division is {{sic|comprised |hide=y|of}} the Aviation Section and the Executive Services Section. The Division also oversees the Awards Committee. }}</ref> * King County Sheriff's Office Air Support (three helicopters)<ref>{{Cite web |title=16.060 - King County Sheriff's Office Air Support Unit - Police Manual {{!}} seattle.gov |author= |work=seattle.gov |date= |access-date=22 July 2022 |url= https://www.seattle.gov/police-manual/title-16---patrol-operations/16060---king-county-sheriffs-office-air-support-unit}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Air support (helicopter) unit - King County |author= |work=kingcounty.gov |date= |access-date=22 July 2022 |url= https://kingcounty.gov/depts/sheriff/about-us/enforcement/specialized/helicopter.aspx}}</ref> * Pierce County Sheriff's Department Air Operations - two Cessna 206s<ref>{{Cite web |title=Air Operations {{!}} Pierce County, WA - Official Website |author= |work=piercecountywa.gov |date= |access-date=22 July 2022 |url= https://www.piercecountywa.gov/2156/Air-Operations}}</ref> * Snohomish County Sheriff's Office Air Support<ref>{{Cite web |title=Snohomish Co Sheriff's K9 units, specialty units move to patrol because of staff shortages |last1=Phan |first1=Suzanne |last2=Reporter |first2=KOMO News |work=KOMO |date= 18 June 2022|access-date=22 July 2022 |url= https://komonews.com/news/local/snohomish-co-sheriffs-k9-units-specialty-units-move-to-patrol-because-of-staff-shortages}}</ref> * Spokane County Sheriff's Office (three helicopters)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Air Support Unit {{!}} Spokane County, WA |author= |work=spokanecounty.org |date= |access-date=22 July 2022 |url= https://www.spokanecounty.org/1392/Air-Support-Unit}}</ref> ; West Virginia * West Virginia State Police Aviation Section<ref>{{Cite web | title=WV State Police announces first female pilot {{!}} WBOY.com | date=25 February 2022 | url=https://www.wboy.com/news/west-virginia/wv-state-police-announces-first-female-pilot/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220227024347/https://www.wboy.com/news/west-virginia/wv-state-police-announces-first-female-pilot/ | access-date=2025-03-31 | archive-date=2022-02-27}}</ref> ; Wisconsin * Wisconsin State Patrol Air Support Unit<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wisconsin State Patrol Air Support Unit |author= |work=wsp.wi.gov |date= |access-date=22 July 2022 |url= https://wsp.wi.gov/Pages/asu.aspx}}</ref> ;Vietnam * Police Aviation Regiment<ref>{{Cite web |last=n.a. |date=2021-10-12 |title=Công bố quyết định thành lập Trung đoàn Không quân Công an nhân dân |url=https://baochinhphu.vn/cong-bo-quyet-dinh-thanh-lap-trung-doan-khong-quan-cong-an-nhan-dan-102301930.htm |access-date=2025-08-31 |website=baochinhphu.vn |language=vi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hai |first=Thứ |date=2021-10-11 |title=Ra mắt trung đoàn không quân Công an nhân dân |url=https://nhandan.vn/ra-mat-trung-doan-khong-quan-cong-an-nhan-dan-post668906.html |access-date=2025-08-31 |website=Báo Nhân Dân điện tử |language=vi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Ra mắt Trung đoàn Không quân Công an nhân dân {{!}} Học viện An ninh nhân dân |url=https://hvannd.edu.vn/bv/ct/5594/ra-mat-trung-doan-khong-quan-cong-an-nhan-dan |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250612151145/https://hvannd.edu.vn/bv/ct/5594/ra-mat-trung-doan-khong-quan-cong-an-nhan-dan |archive-date=2025-06-12 |access-date=2025-08-31 |website=hvannd.edu.vn}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Châm |first=Huyền |title=Trung đoàn Không quân CAND: Những trang sử đầu tiên |url=https://cand.com.vn/emagazine/trung-doan-khong-quan-cand-nhung-trang-su-dau-tien-i681096/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241130153224/https://cand.com.vn/emagazine/trung-doan-khong-quan-cand-nhung-trang-su-dau-tien-i681096/ |archive-date=2024-11-30 |access-date=2025-08-31 |work=Báo Công an Nhân dân điện tử |language=vi-VN}}</ref>

===Disbanded units=== ;United Kingdom *Chiltern Air Support Unit *Western Counties Air Operations Unit ;United States * Nevada Highway Patrol Flight Operations *Port Authority of NY and NJ Police Department Aviation Unit

===Border guards and customs services=== ;Estonia *Police and Border Guard Aviation Group ;Italy *Air Maritime Exploration Squadron Guardia di Finanza ;United States *Customs & Border Protection Air and Marine Operations

===Maritime law enforcement agencies=== [[File:Guardia Costiera Piaggio P-180 Avanti II.jpg|right|thumb|A Piaggio P.180 Avanti operated by the Italian Coast Guard Air Service]] ;Iceland *Icelandic Coast Guard Aeronautical Division ;Italy *Italian Coast Guard Air Service ;Spain * Galician Coast Guard ;United States *US Coast Guard Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron<ref>{{Cite web|title=U.S. Coast Guard Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron is Sea-Going Drug Smuggler's Worst Nightmare|url=https://spacecoastdaily.com/2020/08/u-s-coast-guard-helicopter-interdiction-tactical-squadron-is-sea-going-drug-smugglers-worst-nightmare/|access-date=2020-11-16|website=spacecoastdaily.com|date=23 August 2020 }}</ref>

== See also == {{Commons category|Aircraft in police service}} * Airship Management Services * Border guard * Police aviation in the United Kingdom * Military aviation

==References== {{reflist}}

== External links == * [https://web.archive.org/web/19980209185841/http://www.lib.jjay.cuny.edu/len/96/31dec/html/20.html Atlanta’s bombing fallout (Law Enforcement News)] * [http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS126122 Aviation Units in Large Law Enforcement Agencies] Bureau of Justice Statistics * [http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/08/25/nypd.fujiblimp/ Blimp to provide convention coverage for police (CNN)] * [http://www.military.ie/air-corps/fleet/pbn-defender Defender BN2T-4S operated by Irish Air Corps for Gardai (Irish police force)] * [http://www.policeaviationnews.com/ Police Aviation News] * [http://www.ukemergencyaviation.co.uk UK Police Air Support Information & Operational Info + Gallery]

Category:Police aviation Category:1919 introductions