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