Speaking with reporters Thursday at Police Training Academy, St James, Police Commissioner Dwayne Gibbs said there is no change in the organisational structure of either the Police Service or SAUTT.
“What makes it different is that we are actually going to use the fleet as patrol vehicles. They become part of our overall patrol function.
“They will be scheduled to fly, to listen to calls, to answer calls for service so they will be operating just as a car on the ground will be in a patrol setting,” Gibbs explained.
Gibbs said the air resources are crucial to dealing with crime at the ground level in light of the “volume and nature of serious criminal activity that seems to be taking over this society.”
The commissioner said all divisions and units of the Police Service would have access to the Air Support Unit, giving the service improved ability to respond to:
• Robberies in progress where vehicles are used as a getaway
• anti-kidnapping matters
• high speed vehicle pursuits
• search and rescue operations
“The helicopters will be working in tandem in all aspects of investigations where their assistance will be vital in the apprehension of persons involved in our crime suppression and mobile patrol efforts," Gibbs said.
“Air support is just one part of our collaborative effort to suppress crime and criminal activities, thereby providing a safe haven to citizens," noting that a helicopter is equivalent to “20 ground resources for containment and research activities.”
Gibbs acknowledged that criminals have "evolved". However he said police are getting more aggresive in dealing with crime. "The TTPS is committed to fighting the scourge of crime in our country. Bit by bit, step by step we will take our country back."
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