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The Queensland Police Service (QPS) has introduced three new Bell 429 helicopters into its POLAIR fleet, enhancing its aerial capabilities in the region. The operational launch, which took place at Archerfield, saw the attendance of key officials, including the Police Minister, Police Commissioner, and leaders of the Queensland Police Union and Queensland Police Commissioned Officers Union. The event also featured the formal blessing of the aircraft.
The Bell 429 helicopters, which became operational in July 2024, are now serving the southeast Queensland area, providing a substantial boost to the QPS’s ability to conduct aerial patrols and support ground operations. With this expansion, the POLAIR fleet in the region has grown from two to three helicopters, a move that is expected to significantly enhance the QPS’s crime-fighting efforts.
Equipped with advanced safety technology, high-resolution cameras, and night vision capabilities, the new helicopters represent a significant upgrade in the QPS’s operational capacity. These features are designed to improve the effectiveness of police responses to critical incidents, assist in tracking vehicles, apprehending offenders, and locating missing persons. The overarching goal is to bolster community safety across the region.
The expansion of the POLAIR fleet in southeast Queensland is part of a broader strategy to enhance the QPS’s aerial capabilities across the state. The Queensland State Government has already committed funding to extend POLAIR services to Townsville, as well as to the Cairns/Far North and Sunshine Coast/Wide Bay regions. An interim aerial capability has already been established in Townsville, with plans underway to make this a permanent feature. Similar processes are being initiated for the Cairns/Far North and Sunshine Coast/Wide Bay regions, with tender processes currently in progress.
According to statements made by key officials, the expansion of the POLAIR fleet is expected to have a significant impact on community safety. The region’s Premier emphasised the importance of the new helicopters in ensuring the safety of Queensland residents, expressing confidence that the enhanced aerial capabilities will assist police in apprehending criminals and maintaining public security.
The Police Minister highlighted the operational support that the new helicopters will provide to ground crews, particularly during the pursuit and apprehension of offenders. He also noted that the State Government’s investment in expanding POLAIR’s capabilities will contribute to improving safety across the state.
The Police Commissioner pointed out that the advanced safety, camera, and night vision technologies integrated into the new helicopters will greatly enhance police operations and support the efforts of ground-based personnel. He underscored the importance of having an aerial advantage in responding to critical incidents, noting that it plays a crucial role in protecting both the community and frontline officers.
The President of the Queensland Police Union highlighted the role that POLAIR plays in providing overwatch and safety for frontline police, making them more effective in detaining offenders and securing the community. Leavers also looked forward to the further expansion of POLAIR into other regional areas across Queensland in the coming months.
The recent expansion of the POLAIR fleet is supported by the 2024-25 Queensland State Budget, which allocates AU$124.6 million for the southeast Queensland POLAIR capability as part of a ten-year funding plan. Additionally, the budget provides for a 20% increase in flight hours for the POLAIR fleet in the region, reflecting the government’s commitment to enhancing aerial policing capabilities.
As the QPS continues to roll out its expanded aerial capabilities, the tender processes for establishing permanent POLAIR services in Townsville, Cairns/Far North, and Sunshine Coast/Wide Bay are being carefully managed to ensure the best outcomes for taxpayers and community safety. The integration and utilisation of technological enhancements contribute to the QPS’s ability to perform more efficient and effective aerial surveillance, improving overall policing outcomes.
