Police helicopters secured for six more years

The Queensland Police Service will continue to fight crime from the sky for the next six years following a $29.9 million funding commitment from the State Government. 

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services Bill Byrne said the two police helicopters (Polair 1 and 2) based in south-east Queensland had been an invaluable asset in keeping Queenslanders safe.

“The assistance Polair has provided to police on the ground has been instrumental in solving hundreds of crimes across the south-east since 2011,” Minister Byrne said.

“We are pleased to be able to allocate an additional $29 million in funding for this highly valuable policing asset to continue until at least July 2022.”

He said in the 2015/2016 financial year Polair 1 and 2 accumulated 978 hours in total flight time providing specialist services to frontline officers and enhancing public safety.

“The aircrafts can rapidly respond to crime, search for wanted offenders and missing persons, track stolen vehicles, uncover drug plantations and provide support during major events and disasters,” Minister Byrne said.

“Last financial year, the police helicopters played an integral role in the apprehension of 347 people who were taken into custody, assisted in 187 missing person searches and responded to 1,233 calls for service. 

He said Polair 1 would continue to be tasked to the Gold Coast and Logan while Polair 2 would maintain its operations throughout the Brisbane Region, Ipswich and Moreton districts. 

“We are committed to ensuring our police service is equipped with the resources it needs to keep Queenslanders safe now and into the future, particularly with the upcoming Commonwealth Games.”

Police Commissioner Ian Stewart said the police helicopters were an extremely useful tool in preventing, detecting and solving crime across the south-east.

“Having an eye in the sky to monitor what is happening and providing real-time intelligence to police on the ground means officers can better respond to unfolding situations,” Commissioner Stewart said.

“It also adds a layer of safety for both the officers responding to crime and the wider community by assisting in the pursuit of offenders on our busy roads.

“The state-of-the-art equipment on board also allows officers to record high quality footage to be used as evidence in court cases and a loud speaker to send out important public messaging.”

POLAIR 1 & 2 FAST FACTS – 2015/2016 Financial Year

• 978 hours flight time
• 347 people taken into custody
• 1,233 calls for service
• 915 searches for offenders
• 187 missing person searches
• 209 pursuits or evade police incidents
• 892 intelligence-driven patrols
• 30 major events monitored

Media contacts

Minister Byrne: 0400 622 433

Police Media: (07) 3015 2444