Second eye in the sky keeping families safe

Queensland families are enjoying enhanced safety with the state’s second helicopter boosting police resources and their ability to respond to crime.

Police Minister Jack Dempsey said that just over a month on from the launch of the state’s second police helicopter, Polair 2 was proving an invaluable asset for South East Queensland.

“This Government is determined to make Queensland the safest place to live, work, visit and raise a family and Polair 2 is part of our strong plan that is creating a brighter and safer future,” Mr Dempsey said.

**Polair 2 vision available – see below**

“In its first month of operation Polair 2 has flown 67 missions and more than 91 flight hours.

“It has been tasked to search for break and enter offenders, graffiti offenders, home invasion offenders, evade police offenders, criminal gang extortion offenders, as well as search for drug crops and missing persons.

“At the last election we committed to having two police helicopters in the sky and Queensland families are safer thanks to our $18 million injection to revitalise frontline services.

“Mums and Dads can take their kids to school and work knowing that extra level of safety is watching over them.”

Police Commissioner Ian Stewart said Polair 2 had provided great support to officers on the ground.

“We’ve seen Polair 2 covertly monitor situations on the ground and gather evidence for prosecution,” Commissioner Stewart said.

“In one significant result Polair 2 helped monitor a vehicle being driven dangerously which led to the occupants being apprehended as they tried to steal another car from a woman at Capalaba on July 16.

“This example demonstrates the crime detection and prevention capabilities of Polair 2 working in with other police resources.”

Queensland Police Union President Ian Leavers said the Government’s commitment for Polair 2 was making the community safer and the jobs of officers easier.

“It is good to see the fulfilment of the Government’s commitment is having a positive effect for the jobs of police, and this vital asset assists them in their continual efforts to tackle crime,” Mr Leavers said.

On July 31, 2014 Polair 2 located approximately 100 vehicles at the boat ramp off Wyampa Road, Bald Hills.

Polair 2 observed a vehicle commence a burn-out and tracked and observed it doing a further two burn-outs and driving with excessive speed.

Polair 2 enabled ground units to conduct an intercept of the vehicle and deal with offences committed by the driver.

Vision of that incident is available here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/kbbw8k9kzx3duho/AACvUR4seEQvcldc_CT-I1Vla

[ENDS] 7 August 2014

Media Contact:  Andrew Kos 0408 912 821