Community
14 May, 2024
New police chopper
THE Far North is getting its own dedicated police helicopter.
When, how much and who will operate Polair has yet to be decided but Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski said having a helicopter dedicated to policing operations would help protect both the Far North community and police.
“Bolstering resources for police will help our frontline now and into the future, as the organisation continues to grow,” he said.
Following Townsville’s recent $3 million investment in an EC135 twin engine helicopter proving to be extremely successful, Queensland Police have advocated strongly alongside Cairns MPs to allow for a Polair capability trialled in Cairns.
The start has yet to be confirmed but Polair capabilities include an advanced camera, thermal imaging, and night vision features to ensure that police operations in regional areas, such as tracking offenders, surveillance operations and search and rescue missions, are significantly enhanced.
Member for Cairns Michael Healy said he had heard firsthand from police officers just how much difference a Polair helicopter made to police operations.
Townsville’s police helicopter was in Cairns last week.
