Ontario Government Funds New Helicopter for Durham Police
The Ontario government has announced an investment of $134 million to purchase five new police helicopters for use in the Greater Toronto Area, including one for the Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS). This funding is aimed at addressing car theft and organized crime in the region.
The DRPS Air Support Unit, based out of the Oshawa Airport, currently operates a Bell 206 helicopter equipped with mission-specific equipment. The unit consists of one full-time pilot, three part-time pilots, two full-time Tactical Flight Officers (TFO), and five part-time TFOs. The new helicopter will be equipped with advanced technology, including a thermal imaging system to detect suspects hiding at night.
In 2023, vehicle thefts in Durham Region increased by 35%. The new helicopter is expected to enhance DRPS's ability to track suspect vehicles across highways and residential streets, as well as assist in search and rescue operations for missing persons.
The investment was announced by the Solicitor General of Ontario, who stated that the new helicopters would help police stay ahead of criminals involved in car theft and other crimes. The DRPS serves a population of over 750,000 residents across approximately 2,500 square kilometers, making it the 10th largest municipal police service in Canada.
