Customized RPS plane nearly ready for takeoff

The Regina Police Service intends to have its new plane up in the air before Halloween.

That would be in keeping with the goal the force set out for what it calls its Air Support Unit. But there are still a few things left on the todo list, including the installation of a specialized muffler, coming all the way from Germany.

“If you are working with an infrared camera, it doesn't function properly if the heat of the engine interferes,” said police spokesperson Elizabeth Popowich, who pointed out that the muffler is meant to move the heat “bloom” of the engine further back in the aircraft to allow the high-tech camera to do its work.

That said, the force has two pilots trained, as well as four “tactical flight officers.” One of each is to be aboard the aircraft as it patrols the sky above the city.

All are from a patrol unit, with which they will work on the ground if they are not scheduled to be airborne, according to Popowich who spoke with the Leader-post on Thursday.

In April, the RPS announced that it was turning to the private market to search for a plane after a request for proposals issued earlier in the year garnered no leads.

The RFP laid out some unique requirements for the aircraft, including winter-specific equipment, software with autopilot uncoupling, and that it must not have a Ballistic Restraint System parachute or a turbo charger, making it a tricky item to acquire.

Amid some public opposition, the RPS got council approval to purchase the aircraft during budget deliberations last December. Funds from the provincial government and SGI are expected to cover much of the capital costs.

Citing success in Saskatoon, Regina police argued a plane can help track suspects more safely, especially in the case of a high-speed chase. It can also help locate missing people. Those opposed to the plane argued more money should be targeted to the root causes of crime instead.

Popowich was sure to point out the money for the aircraft and camera did not come out of the police budget but were paid for through civil forfeiture — of the result of proceeds of crime investigations — and SGI. She said the cost of the second-hand aircraft, received April 15, was US$390,000 before being outfitted with all the specialized equipment it requires for police work. But all told, she said one-time costs and operating costs are within the approved budget.

According to government information available online, the plane is a 2005 Cessna 182T which will bear the mark C-GRPF.