winnipeg police service flight operations...

Winnipeg Police Service Flight Operations Unit

2017 Operation Report


Page 1

Contents

1. REPORT SUMMARY ....................................................................................................................... 2

2. OPERATION ................................................................................................................................... 2

Police Helicopter ...................................................................................................................................... 2

Contracts .................................................................................................................................................. 3

Staffing ..................................................................................................................................................... 4

Training ..................................................................................................................................................... 4

Unit Organization Chart ........................................................................................................................... 5

Flight Operations Unit Objectives ............................................................................................................ 6

Safety ........................................................................................................................................................ 6

Laser Incidents .......................................................................................................................................... 6

Noise Complaints ..................................................................................................................................... 7

Operational Highlights ............................................................................................................................. 8

Assistance to Outside Agencies ..............................................................................................................10

Public Displays ........................................................................................................................................11

Presentations .........................................................................................................................................11

3. PERFORMANCE ........................................................................................................................... 12

Quarterly Summary of Flight Hours .......................................................................................................12

Flight Hours by Month............................................................................................................................12

Quarterly Summary of Flight Time Lost (by day) ...................................................................................13

Summary of Incident Type by Activity January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017 ....................................14

AIR1 Flight Activity - Density of Occurrences by Atom ..........................................................................15

Quarterly Summary of Incidents Dispatched .........................................................................................16

Total Incident Volume by Month ...........................................................................................................16

Calls for Service ......................................................................................................................................16

Pursuits ...................................................................................................................................................17

Financial Considerations ........................................................................................................................17


Page 2

Winnipeg Police Service Flight Operations Unit O P E R A T I O N R E P O R T 2 0 1 7

1. REPORT SUMMARY

The following document presents an operation report of the Winnipeg Police Service Flight Operations Unit

(FOU) for the period of January 1 – December 31, 2017.

2. OPERATION

Police Helicopter:

On December 6, 2010, the Service publicly unveiled the EC120B helicopter, delivered by Eurocopter Canada

Limited, which became Airbus Helicopters Canada Limited as of January 2014. With the change in company

name, the aircraft was re-designated the H120. The five-seat, 1.6-ton single-engine H120 has the latest

generation technologies, featuring high maneuverability, excellent visibility, a large cockpit and a low noise

signature. The H120 features a quiet main rotor system with all composite blades and a shrouded Fenestron tail

rotor which is very reliable, safe and quiet. Flying over at 1,000 feet above ground level (agl), the H120 has a

perceived noise of 68 dB, which means it is difficult to detect. It is the quietest helicopter in its class, and its

engine emissions have low levels of pollutants.

Mission Equipment:

L3 Wescam MX-10 IR/HD

(Infrared and High

Definition Video Camera)

This gyroscopically stabilized high definition infrared camera has a high power

optical zoom as well as the thermal imagery which tracks people or evidence by

heat signatures, video image or a blended image.

Nightsun

(Spotlight)

Provides for effective search with a 30 million candle power light that can be

slaved to the thermal imagery camera.

Police radios Allow for communications with all agencies and frequencies.

Churchill Navigation

Augmented Reality System

(Moving Maps)

GPS-based Augmented Reality mapping system that lets Tactical Flight Officers

(TFO) know where they are so as to give accurate directions to ground

resources.

Public Address System Powerful loudspeaker to address public gatherings.


Page 3

Rear Seat HD Video

Monitor

Primarily used by the second Tactical Flight Officer and for new TFO training.

Allows those riding in rear to view what the TFO sees.

Dual Controls Permits flight training to occur within the aircraft as well as TFO to land the

aircraft in the event of a pilot incapacitation emergency.

Video Downlink

Enables transmission of live aerial video feeds to a police or fire department

supervisor on the ground.

CONTRACTS

Engine: Safran Helicopter Engines (Formerly Turbomeca) The Winnipeg Police Service entered into a “Support by the hour” (SBH) services contract with Turbomeca

Canada, which is an engine insurance plan to ensure there is a fully operational engine in the airframe regardless

of the issue. The H120 has a Turbomeca Arrius-2F engine which is completely overhauled every 3000 hours of

operation, resulting in an engine that is virtually new. In January 2016, Arrius-2F S/N 34061 was installed in Air 1

replacing Arrius-2F S/N 34535 which was at the end of its lifecycle. The Unit remains under the SBH services

contract.

Maintenance: Novex Helitrades Incorporated At the end of 2014, RFP 905-2014 competition was conducted for the provision of aircraft maintenance services

for up to five years. As a result of the bid process, a contract was awarded again to Novex Helitrades

Incorporated from Edmonton, Alberta. The one-year contract comes with the option for up to 4 one-year

extensions. The current contract is due for renewal May 29, 2018.

Fuel: Kelly Western Services Ltd., in partnership with the Province of Manitoba Bid Opportunity for Supply and Delivery of Aviation Fuel (JetA1) in the amount of 200,000 litres for the period of

October 1, 2015 – September 30, 2017 was conducted in 2015. As a result of this process, the fuel contract was

awarded to Kelly Western Services Ltd. The contract was extended in 2017 and is now valid until September 30,

2018.

Unit Office and Hangar: 17 Wing Winnipeg In October 2010, the Winnipeg Police Service entered into an agreement with the Department of National

Defense 17 Wing Winnipeg that established a cooperative working arrangement for rental space of hangar and

office to house the police helicopter and Flight Operations Unit. A one-year lease agreement was signed with

additional one-year renewals occurring annually.

Insurance As organized through the City of Winnipeg Insurance Branch, the insurance underwriter for the Flight

Operations Unit provides coverage of $2,640,000 USD for the customized H120 helicopter. As a result of a

requirement to insure infrared cameras loaned to Winnipeg from other jurisdictions, insurance costs increased

slightly in 2016; however, the hull rate remains the same until November 2018.


Page 4

STAFFING

Under the Command of the Inspector and Staff Sergeant, Division 50

Operational Support, the staffing complement for the Flight Operations Unit is:

Unit Supervisor (Patrol Sergeant) – one

Chief Pilot (permanent civilian employee) – one

Pilots (1 civilian employee and 1 sworn police employee) – two

Tactical Flight Officers (TFO) (police Constables) – four

Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) (under contract) – one

The minimum operational “flight crew” consists of one TFO and one Pilot.

Tactical Flight Officer (TFO)

In 2017 the Flight Operations Unit saw no change in the TFO staffing retaining all four TFO for a second

consecutive year.

Pilots

Through 2017, the Flight Operations Unit saw no change in pilot staffing, retaining all three pilots for a third

consecutive year.

TRAINING

Pilots

The Chief Pilot, Constable Line Pilot and Civilian Line Pilot attended Canadian Helicopter-HNZ Group in

Penticton, British Columbia for annual re-current training on the H120, where they are exposed to and tested on

a series of in-flight emergency procedures.

Tactical Flight Officer (TFO)

In 2017, all TFO received training from Canadian Helicopter-HNZ Group for inflight emergency procedures,

including safe landing of the aircraft in the event of pilot incapacitation and hover exit manoeuvres.

In July 2017, two TFO attended the Airborne Law Enforcement Association (ALEA) conference in Reno, Nevada

and attended the ALEA Tactical Flight Officer Course.

Flight Crew (Pilot & TFO)

Canine Unit transport and deployment was developed and jointly exercised with the WPS Canine Unit. Several

non-standard missions to rural areas and airports outside the City were trained. Aircrews also participated in

the Division 50 Joint Training Day with Tactical Support Team (TST), Negotiators and the Incident Commanders.

In partnership with the Canadian Forces Air Force Training Centre, AIR1 and Canine Unit assisted in non-

standard mission search training in a rural environment.


Page 5

In conjunction with the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service, Flight Crews completed aero-medical deployment

training the Tactical Emergency Medical Support.

Unit Supervisor

As a result of transfers in 2017, the Patrol Sergeant (unit supervisor) changed.

UNIT ORGANIZATION CHART

CHIEF OF POLICE

DEPUTY CHIEF

Operations

SUPERINTENDENT

Operational Support

INSPECTOR

Division 50

STAFF SERGEANT

Division 50

PATROL SERGEANT

i/c Flight Operations Unit

CHIEF PILOT

Helicopter

LINE PILOTS

Helicopter

TACTICAL FLIGHT OFFICERS


Page 6

FLIGHT OPERATIONS UNIT OBJECTIVES

The primary purpose of the Flight Operations Unit is to support all operational and investigative Service units in

the detection of criminal acts and the apprehension of suspects. The Unit has budgeted to fly 1000 hours a year

on missions with a variety of scopes. Flight crews are able to provide assistance with the following, weather

permitting:

response to crimes in progress for aerial containment and investigation

infrared searches for suspects and evidence, and co-ordination of ground response

tracking and surveillance of suspect vehicles during police pursuits and subsequent co-ordination of

ground resources

illumination of crime scenes, collision scenes, vehicle stops, search areas, disturbances, and foot pursuits

aerial searches for missing or lost persons

aerial reconnaissance and photography or videotaping of crime

scenes, traffic collisions, high-risk incidents or remote areas

aerial platform for Emergency Services for major fires,

environmental disasters, or other major incidents

Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) scans to provide evidence relating to

illegal drug investigations

rapid deployment of Canine Unit members to remote locations under

exigent circumstances

SAFETY

The issue of Flight Safety is taken very seriously by the Winnipeg Police Service.

The location of the Unit on Canadian Forces Base 17 Wing has ingrained a safety

culture since inception. The Winnipeg Police Service and 17 Wing Winnipeg

work together to ensure the highest safety standards are followed and

participate collaboratively in the Wing Commanders Safety Program.

The Chief Pilot is qualified as Flight Safety Officer and Basic Investigator Level II

as designated by the Royal Canadian Air Force. These designations, achieved after successful completion of the

Flight Safety Officer Course at 17 Wing Winnipeg, combined with industry experience, provide meaningful

oversight of the FOU Flight Safety Program.

LASER INCIDENTS

Prior to the launch of AIR1 there was no local capability to address the problem of lasers or other forms of

projected bright light being shone at aircraft arriving or departing from the Winnipeg Airport. As a result of the

Winnipeg Police Service working together with Nav Canada and Transport Canada, new protocols have been

implemented to streamline all stakeholder response to reports of aircraft, including AIR1, being struck by lasers.

As a result of this partnership, AIR1 has successfully directed ground units to locate and identify suspects who

violate the Air Regulations and Aeronautics Act of Canada and create hazardous flying conditions for pilots.

RCAF FLIGHT SAFETY PATCH


Page 7

In 2017, AIR1 was targeted once, with the incident not resulting in the identification or apprehension of any

suspect.

Nationwide in 2017, Transport Canada logged a total of 417 incidents of aircraft struck by laser, five (5) of which

were reported through the Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (CYWG), with one

incident targeting AIR1.

UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES (UAV)

The FOU continues to the lead criminal investigations into UAV usage. Transport Canada and other stakeholders

established a working group to educate the public, jointly investigating incidents and proposing legislation to

address this emerging threat to aviation.

Transport Canada data records 261 unmanned aircraft occurrences during 2017, with five (5) reported through

Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (CYWG).

NOISE COMPLAINTS

Tracking and addressing citizen noise complaints was identified as an important issue for the Flight Operations

Unit. All citizen complaints that are reported to the WPS are directed to the Unit Supervisor to research and

arrange for a member of the Unit to personally speak with the reporting person.

By providing an explanation of operational activity, educating citizens on the Flight Operations Unit mission and

mandate, along with making operational adjustments, complaints have been reduced.

In 2011, 20 separate complaints were made by 17 reporting persons.

In 2012, 10 noise complaints were received.




In 2016, 1 noise complaint was received.

In 2017, 4 noise complaints were received, with 2 occurring from the same residence.


Page 8

OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

DOMESTIC

When dispatched to an assault where the complainant received physical injuries, AIR1 was first on scene and

observed the assault still in progress. AIR1 updated the police dispatchers and requested ground units on a rush.

A third member of the group was seen leaving the area. Once again, AIR1 updated General Patrol units. The

third party was spoken to and the suspect was taken into custody.

SHOTS

Police dispatchers received information that a fight occurred inside a premise and had then moved outside, at

which time the complainant heard a gunshot. Arriving units confirmed this information and indicated the

suspects fled the area in a vehicle. As Tactical Support Team members provided the direction of travel, AIR1

immediately located the suspect vehicle, travelling at a high rate of speed, before it crashed in a yard. AIR1

observed a lone suspect exit and flee on foot. The suspect continued to run among the houses with a General

Patrol unit in pursuit. With the assistance of AIR1, the suspect was apprehended by pursuing officers.

STABBING

During the spring, police dispatchers received a report that the accused attended an address under the influence

of drugs. During an altercation with the victim, the accused stabbed the victim and fled on foot. Ground units

arrived on scene and tended to the victim while Canine Unit began tracking the suspect. AIR1 arrived on scene

from the hangar, assisting Canine Unit with yard

searches. AIR1 located the outstanding suspect and

ground units were directed to the suspect, who was

safely taken into custody.

DRUG OFFENCE

In a report of a break and enter to vacant suite,

information provided by the reporting person was

that several suspects were involved and still on

scene. AIR1 provided live updates of all observations

made, including observing persons in the rear of the

address and suspects leaving the area on a

motorcycle. The motorcycle then turned around at

the dead-end/back lane where the driver picked up a

passenger and continued on, exiting the area. AIR1

continued to provide live updates to police

dispatchers and units on the ground. General Patrol

safely stopped the motorcycle and both suspects

were taken into custody.


Page 9

M ISSING PERSON

AIR1 was dispatched to assist in locating a missing person. Multiple cell phone pings had been performed with a

very large radius from towers extending well outside the city. RCMP advised that they had also been searching

with negative results. AIR1 arrived on scene in the remote area and began infra-red scanning. After a lengthy

search, AIR1 located a vehicle that matched the description inside a treed area. The RCMP were notified and

guided to the location. The missing person was safely transported to hospital.

RESIDENTIAL BREAK AND ENTER

When a complainant called to report a break in at their detached garage, it was also reported that a pellet gun

was located in the garage. Within minutes, AIR1 arrived on scene and confirmed that there was someone in that

garage. At the time, AIR1 was the only unit assigned to the event. AIR1 confirmed the complainant was safe.

Tactical Support Team and Canine Unit were assigned. Eventually the suspect left the garage and walked down

the lane with several items. AIR1 continued to update attending units. Once Tactical Support Team and Canine

Unit arrived, they took the suspect, who was holding the pellet gun in his hands, safely into custody.

ASSISTANCE TO RCMP

During a summer evening, RCMP members received a call about a person who appeared distraught and was

standing on a bridge at the floodway. They attended and briefly spoke to the individual who then ran from

them. RCMP contained the person within the compound of a large business and called for WPS assistance to

locate the person who was evading capture by hiding. AIR1 arrived on scene and, using the FLIR camera, located

the person. The suspect was safely taken into custody and turned over to the RCMP. In addition the suspect had

several outstanding warrants.

TRAFFIC PURSUIT

Ground units advised police dispatchers that a stolen vehicle was travelling toward the Perimeter. The vehicle

turned onto a service road that paralleled the Perimeter; however, ground units lost visual of the vehicle.

Members of AIR1 arrived in the area and quickly found a vehicle that matched the description. AIR1 advised

General Patrol and police dispatchers of the location where the vehicle drove into a large field and became

stuck. AIR1 maintained visual on the driver and the passenger as they ran about the field in an attempt to

escape. AIR1 used the Night Sun to direct ground units to the suspects. AIR1 also used the public address system

to command the two suspects to raise their hands and directed them to walk toward the ground units. General

Patrol units made contact with the driver and passenger. They were both subsequently apprehended.

SUICIDE THREAT

Police dispatchers received a report of a person who left home threatening suicide. General patrol spoke with

the complainant and, based on information received, requested AIR1 assist. Members of AIR1 conducted an

area search and eventually located the individual in a park. Following an attempt to flee, and due to updates

from AIR1, officers were able to meet up with the person who was taken safely into care and transported to a

hospital.


Page 10

COMMERCIAL ROBBERY

Upon request from the Major Crimes Unit, AIR1 was dispatched to monitor a suspect who was driving a vehicle

around the northern district of the city. The suspect was wanted for several commercial robberies. While AIR1

observed the vehicle for several minutes, the suspect parked the vehicle, exited and loitered around a mall.

Shortly, the suspect entered a commercial location, robbed the employees and fled. When the suspect left in

the vehicle, AIR1 followed. Ground units confirmed the store was in fact robbed. AIR1 directed General Patrol

units to locate the suspect, who was safely taken into custody.

TRAFFIC PURSUIT

Central Traffic Units advised police dispatchers that a vehicle crashed and the suspect driver fled on foot. With

members of AIR1 searching over the area, the suspect was observed riding on a moving train, attempting to flee

eastbound along the track. The suspect remained aboard the moving train and further attempted to evade

capture by running on top of the rail cars. With the assistance of AIR1, General Patrol units were able to pursue

and apprehend the suspect on the train.

TRAFFIC PURSUIT WITH IMPAIRED DRIVER

Late in the year, members of AIR1 observed a vehicle that had severe front end damage travelling at a high rate

of speed on a busy street. Sparks were seen coming from the front passenger side wheel. AIR1 notified police

dispatchers and became involved, maintaining a visual on the suspect vehicle and occupant, while guiding

ground units to the area. The vehicle was eventually observed to stop. The occupant exited and continued

walking eastbound. At that time, General Patrol units arrived on scene and the driver was safely taken into

custody.

DOMESTIC ASSAULT

Members of the Winnipeg Police Service were dispatched to an address for a report of a domestic assault. AIR1

arrived first on scene and witnessed the assault in progress. The suspect assaulted two victims by kicking and

punching. The suspect also dragged one of the victims in the yard. The suspect eventually fled in a vehicle before

ground units arrived. AIR1 maintained visual contact with the fleeing suspect, all the while providing updates to

police dispatchers and General Patrol units. Ground units safely took the suspect into custody. The two victims

suffered minor injuries.


Page 11

ASSISTANCE TO OUTSIDE AGENCIES

Since inception, AIR1 has supported and assisted a number of internal and external stakeholders, both

operationally and in training, including:

Department of National Defense

Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)

Manitoba Justice

Manitoba Finance

Manitoba Natural Resources

Manitoba Integrated Organized Crime Unit

Morden Police Service

Sainte-Anne Police Department

Transport Canada

Transportation Safety Board

CN Police

Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service

PUBLIC DISPLAYS

Winnipeg Police Service Half Marathon

Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Run

Women Fly Aviation work fair – St. Andrews Airport

WPS Golf Tournament Rossmere Golf Course

PRESENTATIONS

Several internal presentations to Winnipeg Police Service Units, including shift briefings and internal

training


Page 12

3. PERFORMANCE

QUARTERLY SUMMARY OF FLIGHT HOURS

Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 2017

Total 180 286.7 219.1 261.3 947.1

FLIGHT HOURS BY MONTH

Throughout 2017, the Flight Operations Unit logged 947.1 flight hours. While the above table illustrates the

distribution of flight hours by month, the Unit achieved a monthly average of 78.9 flight hours.

Through the year, the hours of flight time were impacted by both scheduled and unscheduled maintenance.

Total number of scheduled maintenance days: 30 days

Total number of unscheduled maintenance days: 48 days

1 The first two weeks of January involved the installation and testing of the new MX10 IR camera. 2 Operations were again impacted in February with the unplanned maintenance of the helicopter main gear box. 3 In August, flight hours were impacted due to unscheduled warranty repairs on the MX10 camera IR cooler.

371

66.82

76.2

102.3 97.2

87.2

102.8

32.13

84.2

95.6

81.8 83.9

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

Flight H

ours

Month


Page 13

QUARTERLY SUMMARY OF FLIGHT TIME LOST (BY DAY)

Factor Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 2017

Weather 17.5 11.5 10.5 20 59.5

Maintenance 30 11 30 7 78

Staffing 2 4 4 5 15

Total 49.5 26.5 44.5 32 152.5


Page 14

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT TYPE BY ACTIVITY JANUARY 1, 2017 TO DECEMBER 31, 2017

The following table contains a summary of the most frequently dispatched incident types:

WELLBEING 190

TRAFFIC STOP 175

BREAK AND ENTER – ALL TYPES 167

SUSPICIOUS PERSON 162

DOMESTIC DISTURBANCE 145

GUN - ALL TYPES 100

ALARM – ALL TYPES 94

ASSAULT 85

SUICIDE THREAT 76

DISTURBANCE 65

WEAPON 65

ROBBERY COMMERCIAL 58

TRAFFIC 58

FOLLOW 52

ROBBERY PERSON 52

FIGHT 51

DANGER 49

SHOTS FIRED 48

STABBING REPORTED 41

FAMILY TROUBLE 37

DAMAGE 28

ASSISTANCE REQUIRED 24

MOTOR VEHICLE COLLISION 24

IMPAIRED DRIVING 23

STOLEN VEHICLE 23

BREACH 20

TRAFFIC PURSUIT 20

WARRANT 20

ASSAULT WITH WEAPON 19

MISSING PERSON ASSIST 19

IPDA 18

FIRE 16

STOLEN VEHICLE LOCATED 12

SUBJECT PURSUIT 11

THEFT 11

THREAT REPORTED 11

CHILD 9

MEDICAL 9

OFFICER 5

SPI HOTSPOT 5

SEXUAL ASSAULT 4

VICE 4

ABDUCTION 3

DISPUTE 3

PROWLER 3

WARRANT EXECUTION 3

ANIMAL 2

E911 HANGUP 2

INSECURE 2

MENTAL HEALTH ACT 2

SEXUAL ABUSE 2

SHOPLIFTER 2

SPECIAL 2

SUBJECT STOP 2

BILL 40 1

BOMB 1

DISC 1

GRAFFITI 1

INDECENT 1

LIGHTS 1

SPECIAL ATTENTION 1

SPI SUBJECT 1

WARRANT ENQUIRY 1

TOTAL 2142


Page 15

AIR1 FLIGHT ACTIVITY - DENSITY OF OCCURRENCES BY ATOM

January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017

Overview of AIR1 density of occurrences in Winnipeg (896 Atoms)

313 Atoms had zero calls for service where AIR1 was dispatched

As a result of the City of Winnipeg neighbourhood review conducted in 2017, a further division of peripheral neighbourhoods

occurred to address developing population clusters, therefore increasing the number of Police atoms from 795 to 896.

Density Map provided by WPS Crime Analysis Unit.


Page 16

QUARTERLY SUMMARY OF INCIDENTS DISPATCHED

Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 2017

Total 398 669 507 568 2142

TOTAL INCIDENT VOLUME BY MONTH

Note: Total dispatched incidents (2142) includes all calls that AIR1 attended (1964) as well as the total events

that were cancelled or pre-empted (178) prior to arriving on scene.

CALLS FOR SERVICE

AIR1 continues to have a dramatic influence on the outcome of calls for service. As detailed above, the

helicopter attended 1964 events and as a direct result of this presence, AIR1 was instrumental in

identifying/apprehending 349 persons of interest. If it were not for AIR1, these apprehensions could not occur at

the time, resulting in further investigative resources on the ground to complete the calls for service.

Of the 349 parties identified to ground resources, 97 non-criminal captures occurred and 252 parties were taken

into custody for criminal offenses at the time, due to the support of AIR1.

1 6 21 20 20 22 31

4 17 14 8 14 46

136

188

231 203

173

242

37

176 184

160

188

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

Calls

for

Serv

ice

Month

Incidents Cancelled or Pre-empted Incidents Attended


Page 17

PURSUITS

Pursuits 20 Dispatched

AIR1 Dispatched, involved 14

AIR1 Dispatched, not involved 6

Follows 52 Dispatched

AIR1 Dispatched, involved 40

AIR1 Dispatched, not involved 12

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS

2011 Flight Operational Unit costs billed to the Province of Manitoba = $1,196,693.90






Funding to the WPS changed in 2017 as billing to the Province of Manitoba ceased. Costs calculated

similar to previous totals = $1,809,394.82

2017 Operation Report

Winnipeg Police Service P.O. Box 1680 Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 2Z7 www.winnipeg.ca/police

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