Ewatski said the Air Support Unit of the Trinidad & Tobago Police Service (TTPS) began a pilot project in April 2011 as part of the 21st Century Policing transformation initiative. The goal of the pilot project was to measure the effectiveness of aerial support to TTPS ground operations in the realm of law enforcement aviation, he said.
Ewatski stated that the unit used helicopters from the former SAUTT to conduct regular patrols, often identifying suspicious activities on the ground. The rapid response to reported crimes in progress resulted in the apprehension of 178 suspects, the seizure of firearms, ammunition and narcotics, he said.
"In addition it gave police the ability to provide ground resources with considerable situational awareness which proved extremely valuable during many police operations," he stated.
Ewatski said research was conducted into other forms of aerial support that might provide similar capabilities at reduced operating and maintenance costs. It included contact with the International Law Enforcement Aviation Association as well as aviation experts both locally and foreign.
"What was learned was that several law enforcement agencies were utilizing a relatively new form of aircraft commonly referred to as Light Sport Aircraft.
"The unique characteristics of this type of aircraft, including short take-off and landing, low fuel burn and extreme low stall speeds, on the surface, appear to provide an aircraft option with a significantly less operating and maintenance cost," Ewatski explained.
"In an effort to be fiscally prudent the Service began to explore this option further. Enquires revealed that a newly formed local company, The Trinidad and Tobago Air Support Company Ltd, was in the process of acquiring a number of these type of aircraft in their goal to advance the aviation market in Trinidad and Tobago. Additionally it was learned that technology used in the SAUTT helicopter fleet could be accommodated in these aircraft.
"It was also learned that no other aviation entity in the country had that type of aircraft in their fleet.
"Discussions took place between the TTPS and the Company which resulted in a proposal being considered by the Commissioner of Police to enter into a service provision agreement with the Company for a period of 12 weeks as a pilot project to evaluate the capability of this type of aircraft.
"On December 29, 2011 a contract was signed by the Commissioner of Police, under his authority as the Accounting Officer for the Service, with the Company to provide a minimum of 720 hours of aircraft use for the total sum of $140,440.00 USD," he said.
Ewatski stated further that the contract clearly indicates that this provision of service is for evaluation purposes of this type of aircraft with no commitment of any further business engagement.
"The unique characteristics of this type of aircraft, including short take-off and landing, low fuel burn and extreme low stall speeds, on the surface, appear to provide an aircraft option with a significantly less operating and maintenance cost," Ewatski explained.
"In an effort to be fiscally prudent the Service began to explore this option further. Enquires revealed that a newly formed local company, The Trinidad and Tobago Air Support Company Ltd, was in the process of acquiring a number of these type of aircraft in their goal to advance the aviation market in Trinidad and Tobago. Additionally it was learned that technology used in the SAUTT helicopter fleet could be accommodated in these aircraft.
"It was also learned that no other aviation entity in the country had that type of aircraft in their fleet.
"Discussions took place between the TTPS and the Company which resulted in a proposal being considered by the Commissioner of Police to enter into a service provision agreement with the Company for a period of 12 weeks as a pilot project to evaluate the capability of this type of aircraft.
"On December 29, 2011 a contract was signed by the Commissioner of Police, under his authority as the Accounting Officer for the Service, with the Company to provide a minimum of 720 hours of aircraft use for the total sum of $140,440.00 USD," he said.
Ewatski stated further that the contract clearly indicates that this provision of service is for evaluation purposes of this type of aircraft with no commitment of any further business engagement.
"It is planned to carefully evaluate the capability of this type of aircraft as part of an overall strategy to establish the Air Support Unit as a permanent entity within the TTPS at the lowest possible cost," he said.
The canadian national also addressed reports that he participated in in a “test flight” of the Company’s aircraft.
He said, "The facts are that I am a holder of a Canadian aviation private pilot’s licence and have been for 12 years. Flying has been a hobby of mine and my intention was to pursue this hobby while living in Trinidad and Tobago.
"In order to meet currency requirements, on June 12, 2011, I completed a check flight with a certified flight instructor, Mr. Dan Condon, at my personal expense, using a privately owned aircraft which Mr. Condon had authority to use.
"In order to meet currency requirements, on June 12, 2011, I completed a check flight with a certified flight instructor, Mr. Dan Condon, at my personal expense, using a privately owned aircraft which Mr. Condon had authority to use.
"This Cessna single engine aircraft is apparently owned by Mr. Eddie Dallsingh, an individual I have never met.
"On July 3rd, 2011, I again flew in the same aircraft with Mr. Condon to further hone my skills. At that time Mr. Condon was not a director of the Trinidad and Tobago Air Support Company.
"This interaction with Mr. Condon was solely for the above stated purpose and was in no way connected to any actions or decisions regarding the subsequent service provision agreement.
"Any assumptions or suggestions that my interaction with Mr. Condon influenced decisions made by the TTPS in this matter are completely misguided," Ewatski said in the statement that was issued through the public affairs unit of the TTPS.
"On July 3rd, 2011, I again flew in the same aircraft with Mr. Condon to further hone my skills. At that time Mr. Condon was not a director of the Trinidad and Tobago Air Support Company.
"This interaction with Mr. Condon was solely for the above stated purpose and was in no way connected to any actions or decisions regarding the subsequent service provision agreement.
"Any assumptions or suggestions that my interaction with Mr. Condon influenced decisions made by the TTPS in this matter are completely misguided," Ewatski said in the statement that was issued through the public affairs unit of the TTPS.
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