In the last five years, the EC120 B Colibri has been the helicopter of choice to complement the crime-fighting arsenal of police services around the country, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)(1) in British Columbia (BC), York Regional Police, the Edmonton Police, and the Calgary Police.

Roles include tactical support missions such as searching for lost citizens, tracking suspects, protecting public figures, gathering intelligence and monitoring traffic.
“The helicopter,” says tactical support officer Dave Saunders of York Regional Police, “is a mainstay of York’s tactical support unit.” The helicopter service fills an often indispensable role in supporting the tactical, canine, and traffic units, while also providing general air support.

Extremely Quiet
The ultra quiet EC120 Colibri minimizes noise complaints in an urban environment and often leaves criminals unaware of the observing presence above. Perry Edwards of the Vancouver RCMP comments, “We were very deliberate when picking this aircraft. Noise is a huge issue in urban patrol operations and we have received very few noise complaints when using the EC120.”
Having just recently hit the 500-hour mark, P. Edwards is very happy with the support from Eurocopter Canada.

“Our relationship with the Eurocopter technical reps at the Vancouver airport and with sales support has been excellent. Operationally, the EC120 has been extremely successful in targeted traffic areas as well as in general police support.”
In particular, he mentions the success they have achieved in intercepting speeding motorcyclists on the ‘Sea to Sky’ highway in Vancouver; this sinuous highway is well known for high fatalities due to reckless driving and speeding.

The EC120 recently acquired by the RCMP’s Vancouver Air Section is the first to be operated by the RCMP, which operates the aircraft with the various lower mainland police services. These activities mark a new direction for airborne law enforcement in North America. The helicopter is intended to improve road safety for all of British Columbia’s motorists and to curb highway crime.
Air-1, as it has been named, is able to pursue stolen cars and monitor speeding drivers and erratic driving from above, allowing patrol officers to remain a safe distance behind the offenders until their apprehension is feasible.

Reduced risks
Also of paramount importance in airborne police operations is the safety of the crew, as well as of the public and police on the ground. The Calgary police, operating their first EC120 Colibri, have found that helicopters significantly reduce risks for officers and other motorists during vehicle pursuits.
Helicopter use has also lowered the number of ground pursuits by 61%, lessening the danger to all. The Calgary police recently signed a contract for a second EC120; the helicopter will be delivered in the spring of 2007.

Similarly, the York Region’s EC120, known as Air 2, patrols a vast territory that includes a large network of highways and other major roadways. Its mission is to track down speeders and erratic drivers. Air 2’s presence has led to a greater compliance with speed limits. Safety in the air is also a key component.
The EC120 is designed with a wide cabin, improved visibility, and better ergonomics to reduce flight fatigue. It also offers an increased payload for carrying the additional crime-fighting equipment required by police.

Serving as a benchmark for other police agencies, the Edmonton Police was the first Canadian agency to opt for the EC120 Colibri, and is the fleet leader with over 6,000 hours logged on the aircraft. Flying over 1,000 hours a year, five nights a week, with 15-20 calls per night, the EC120 is, according to Rick Milne of Edmonton police, the culmination of new technology, making it perfect for law enforcement.
“It has tremendous operating capabilities and is extremely reliable. The cabin is great - you can see everything! The open cockpit really facilitates training and communication.” He also added that the customer support they have received from Eurocopter Canadaover the past five years, especially with regards to troubleshooting, has been impressive.

An enormous Commercial Success
The EC120 provides unrivalled savings in a single-engine patrol platform. The competitive price combined with low fuel consumption make the EC120 a popular choice. The modern design of the EC120 simplifies maintenance and accessibility for any operator.
“It is a well thought-out piece of machinery,” said Sergeant Gary Creasser from the Calgary Police. It is still easy to access all components despite the additional wiring installed for the lawenforcement platform.

For Canada’s police services, Eurocopter’s EC120 has not only met, but exceeded the specifications for their mission profiles. As the success of the EC120 catches on, it is only a matter of time before the airborne parapublic service in Canada undergoes dramatic changes.
As Rick Milne of the Edmonton Police puts it, “You don’t know what you’re missing out on until you get a helicopter. It’s an indispensable part of public safety.”