Province invests in DRPS Air Support Unit

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Whitby, Ontario- The Regional Municipality of Durham and Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) welcome the provincial investment in a new helicopter that will enhance law enforcement capacity and help address sophisticated and evolving crime in Durham Region.

As part of the Ontario government's investment in a Joint Air Support Unit (JASU), the Province is making significant investments in police services to ensure the safety and well-being of our communities. This funding through the Solicitor General of Ontario will enable DRPS to maintain helicopter air support that has served this Region for more than 25 years.

Helicopter Air Support enhances public safety, and provides DRPS the tools to respond swiftly to criminal activity, major incidents and emergency situations in Durham Region including auto theft, street racing and impaired driving. Equipped with advanced technology, the helicopter will assist search and rescue response support for missing persons. The helicopter's presence will deter crime, reinforcing the message that illegal activities will be monitored and addressed promptly to ensure public safety.

Quotes

"Every day, members of the Durham Regional Police Service work to ensure the safety and well-being of our residents. This new modern helicopter in the fleet will be critical in addressing the growing and complex challenges of modern crime. This new funding will enable DRPS to enhance its Air Support Unit, helping to ensure that Durham Region is a safer place for everyone."

- John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer

"We are incredibly grateful for the support that has enabled us to acquire a new helicopter. This new, state-of-the-art addition will significantly enhance our ability to respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies including violent car jackings and auto thefts. Our officers patrol more than 2,500 square kilometers-one of the largest geographical areas in the GTA. With improved aerial surveillance and rapid response capabilities, we are better equipped to ensure the safety and security of our community, as well as provide assistance to other jurisdictions requiring air support."

- Peter Moreira, Chief of Police, Durham Regional Police Service

"I am thrilled to see the province investing in public safety in Durham Region. The new helicopter will be a great asset to support the excellent work DRPS does to keep our communities safe."

- Mayor Shaun Collier, Chair of the Durham Regional Police Service Board and Regional Councillor

"Criminal networks have become more sophisticated, but so have we. In Ontario, a car is stolen every 14 minutes-this is completely unacceptable. These helicopters will be a critical tool in helping police stay one step ahead of the criminals who are stealing cars and committing crimes on our streets."

- Michael Kerzner, Solicitor General

"Our government is investing in the necessary tools and resources to support police services like the Durham Regional Police Service as they work to stop auto theft and bring car thieves to justice. By giving police the tools they need to track and arrest offenders, our government is helping to ensure the Region of Durham is one of the safest jurisdictions in Ontario."

- Lorne Coe, MPP for Whitby and Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier

"With Durham Region growing rapidly, keeping our community safe is a top priority for us all. This funding reflects our commitment to providing our officers with the resources they need to protect us and effectively combat issues like auto theft and organized crime. Together we're making sure our communities are protected and well-served."

-Patrice Barnes, MPP for Ajax

"This new helicopter will significantly boost efforts to combat crime, providing the tools needed to track suspects and respond quickly to incidents. It reinforces our government's commitment to ensuring public safety and holding offenders accountable."

-Peter Bethlenfalvy, MPP for Pickering-Uxbridge

"Our government is dedicated to addressing crime and ensuring our communities remain safe. This investment will equip law enforcement with the necessary tools to quickly respond to emergencies across Durham and protect our loved ones."

- Todd McCarthy, MPP for Durham

Quick Facts

• On July 29, 2024, the Solicitor General of Ontario announced an investment of $134 million to purchase five new police helicopters for use in the Greater Toronto Area to combat car theft and organized crime, including one for DRPS.
• DRPS patrols approximately 2,500 square kilometers, serving a population of more than 750,000 residents in Durham Region.
• DRPS is the 10th largest municipal police service in Canada.
• In 2023, there was a 35 per cent increase in vehicle thefts in Durham Region.
• The DRPS Air Support Unit is based out of the Oshawa Airport and currently operates a Bell 206 Bill helicopter equipped with mission-specific equipment and is available 24/7 for general patrol or on-call duties.
• The Air Support Unit consists of one full-time pilot, three part-time pilots, two full-time Tactical Flight Officers (TFO) and five part-time TFOs.
• Technology aboard the helicopter includes a thermal imaging system to detect suspects hiding under the cover or night.
• Police helicopters allow DRPS to safely track suspect vehicles across our highways and residential streets.

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