General News
1 May, 2026
Eye-in-sky facts
THE Queensland Police Service (QPS) has defended criticism and comments on social media about the frequent use of the Cairns police chopper (POLAIR) in the skies above the city.
In a post on the popular Cairns Crimes and Alerts Facebook page, QPS said “ … there’s been a lot of discussion around POLAIR (left) recently and we wanted to clear up a few misconceptions”.
QPS took to social media to explain the frequency of flights, night-time use, the cost and other aspects.
This follows a flurry of criticism on the Crime and Alerts Facebook page by people furious with it criss-crossing above the city’s suburbs night and day while tracking criminals in stolen cars.
People demanded to know the cost and success of the flights and accused QPS of constant noise pollution.
QPS responded to several issues.
On fuel and budget it said: “POLAIR aircraft use JetA1 fuel, which is specifically designated for aviation and cannot be used in regular motor vehicles. POLAIR is contracted and budgeted for a fixed number of flight hours each week.”
AdvertisementOn night flights: “With Cairns now having full-time POLAIR operations, the new aircraft can conduct night flights utilising advanced night vision imaging systems.”
On capability: “Historically, POLAIR has been viewed mainly as a response to stolen vehicles. However, its role has evolved in recent years to assist with a variety of community protection jobs, including high-risk offenders, domestic and family violence and vulnerable missing persons. All POLAIR flights are carried out in response to a police tasking, so if you spot us in the sky, something is happening below.”
On community safety: “The QPS always promotes personal property awareness, but the presence of our helicopter does not necessarily indicate an immediate risk near your property. In high-risk situations, POLAIR aircraft are equipped with a public announcement system that allows us to communicate messages to those on the ground.”
“Additionally, QPS police media can update social media pages and groups if there is a volatile situation occurring,” the post said. “POLAIR utilises the same PA system to request public assistance in locating missing and vulnerable persons.
“So, if you hear a message from the aircraft, it does not automatically imply there is an offender nearby. We hope that this has cleared up a few questions and concerns”.
