NCJ Number
147445
Journal
Airborne Security and Rescue Volume: 1 Issue: 3 Dated: (November/December 1993) Pages: 8-10
Date Published
1993
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article recommends ways in which police aircraft units can operate more efficiently without sacrificing service during times when local governments must reduce their spending.
Abstract
First, prioritize the uses of the aircraft so that it produces optimal results according to departmental priorities. This means that crime statistics must be analyzed to determine where and when aircraft should be deployed on routine patrol to produce the most fruitful results. If budgets are reduced to the point that routine patrol is no longer feasible, aircraft should be placed on call to respond to incidents immediately. This means preparing aircraft and crew to take off within seconds after a call is received. The efficient and effective use of police aircraft requires that all officers be informed about when and how to call for aircraft help. If all aircraft are not being used to their maximum potential in spite of the best management efforts, the fleet should be accordingly reduced. One or more planes could be sold to purchase new, more cost-effective aircraft. Maintaining cost-effective aircraft operations also requires an assessment of personnel. If lower ranking officers can perform a job as effectively as higher ranking officers, then changes should be made to reduce salary costs. Other options to lower costs are reducing the number of personnel, sharing aviation assets with neighboring agencies, and shopping around to obtain the lowest fuel and facilities costs.