Townsville receives POLAIR boost as second helicopter prepares to take to the skies
Queensland will soon have the largest aerial police fleet in the country with the addition of a second helicopter in Townsville. See how the added support is affecting the regions youth crime statistics.
Townsville
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A second police helicopter is set to take to the Townsville skies at the start of next month, making Queensland’s aerial police fleet the largest in the country.
POLAIR’s presence in the region will be boosted with the introduction of a second crime-fighting helicopter that will bring with them a team of eight tactical flight officers.
Compared to the same period in 2023, the Townsville region is experiencing a 30 per cent decrease in unlawful use of motor vehicle offences, a 29 per cent reduction in property offences and a 24 per cent reduction in total youth offences.
Queensland Premier Steven Miles said the interim helicopter has provided much needed support to the officers on the ground in Townsville.
“With the addition of a second helicopter for the region, our state will have the largest aerial police fleet in the country,” he said.
“We’ve already seen a promising reduction in youth offences across the first six months of the year – down 24 per cent in Townsville compared to the same period in 2023.
“That’s my Community Safety Plan for Queensland delivering results, and while it’s early days I want to see this downward trend continue.”
Meridian Helicopters, a local business, will supply an Airbus 135 that will take to the skies from October 1.
By 2026, these helicopters will be replaced by two brand new Bell 429 helicopters.
Police commissioner Steve Gollschewski said that providing police with an aerial advantage improves their response to crime.
“Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, such as thermal imaging cameras and advanced mapping capabilities, the helicopters are integral to reducing crime in Townsville, helping local police track stolen vehicles, arrest offenders, locate missing people, and more,” he said.
Police minister Mark Ryan said that the State government’s investment in POLAIR’s expansion is boosting community safety.
“Meridian Helicopters have supplied interim aerial law enforcement capability in Townsville since January 2024, supporting local police in responding to crime and other policing operations such as search and rescues,” he said.
“Having permanent eyes-in-the-sky will provide incredible operational support to the ground crews across Townsville and north Queensland, particularly during the apprehension of offenders.”
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Originally published as Townsville receives POLAIR boost as second helicopter prepares to take to the skies
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