Winnipeg police looking at replacement for helicopter
CTV
The Winnipeg Police Service is looking for a new helicopter to replace the current aircraft, which has been in service for 15 years.
The Winnipeg Police Service is looking for a new helicopter to replace the current aircraft, which has been in service for 15 years.
Superintendent Brian Miln says the helicopter is at its end of life and getting parts for the chopper is getting more difficult and can take six to 12 months to procure them, and in some cases even longer.
“We simply don’t want to get into that position where we have a substantial part failure and now the machine is grounded for six months, eight months, 12 months, or further,” said Miln.
But instead of buying a new one off the hop, the police service wants to enter into a lease-to-own deal, where the service could have the option to purchase it down the road.
Miln says buying a helicopter upfront is very expensive, so the leasing option spreads out costs. Plus he says it gives the service flexibility during the lease period.
“Is the machine meeting our needs, yes or no?” said Miln “If it is, well then yeah, we have an option to potentially purchase it outright. If it doesn’t end up meeting our needs, then it gives us an easy out to move to something more compatible.”
A recent report to the police board says the helicopter can get from one area of the city to another in minutes, get “eyes” on high-risk calls 10 to 15 kilometers away, and reduces risks around vehicle pursuits, allowing officers on the ground to pull back from a chase.
