Support Operations Bureau
Aviation Unit
• The Aviation Unit changed aircraft in 2017 to a smaller airframe thanks to a donation by the Arlington Citizens Police Academy Alumni.
• The unit deployed to 11 local operations last year.
• Damage assessments during Hurricane Harvey were instrumental for local emergency management personnel.
The Aviation Unit is comprised of 13 officers, a sergeant and lieutenant. Officers hold other primary roles within the department and the unit deploys as an auxiliary duty when called upon. In 2017, the unit responded to 11 local operational deployments.
The unit responds to search and rescue operations, suspects at large, serious crash scenes, crime scenes, damage assessments,
high-risk warrants, tactical operations, barricaded persons, and K9 searches when requested. The Arlington Citizens Police Academy Alumni( ACPAA) donated $ 7,794 which enabled the unit to transition aircraft to a smaller airframe. The unit now operates six DJI Mavic Pro aircraft. These small Unmanned Aerial Systems( sUAS) can be deployed by one officer and are transported by members of the unit during their normal tour of duty.
The department deployed a team member of the unit to Liberty County in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. Images and video were able to be sent to emergency management officials which proved invaluable to planners and decision makers.
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Annual Report 2017