Air-1

Air-1 Certification

Purpose:
The Air-1 Certification authorizes officers to operate the department's police helicopter in support of patrol operations, pursuits, searches, and major incidents. Air-1 provides aerial intelligence, suspect tracking, and scene overwatch while improving officer safety on the ground.

Requirements:

• Air-1 Certification required.

• Follow all department aviation policies and supervisor directives.

Deployment Guidelines:

• Air-1 should provide intelligence and direction to ground units rather than taking over radio traffic.

• Coordinate with primary units during pursuits by relaying suspect direction, speed, and traffic conditions.

• Assist with searches for fleeing suspects, missing persons, and major incidents when requested.

• Avoid unnecessary low-altitude flying or unsafe maneuvers.

Unit Ratio:

• Maximum Ratio: 1 Air-1 to every 4 ground units (4:1).

Restrictions:

• Air-1 should not be deployed for routine patrol unless operationally necessary.

• Pilots are expected to maintain clear, concise radio communications.

• Air-1 supports ground units—it does not replace them. Ground supervisors retain command of incidents unless otherwise directed.