NPAS publishes Annual Report 2023/24
Above: Read the NPAS Annual Report 2023/24 online or download a PDF version.
Courtsy NPAS
This includes an increasing trend in the calls for police helicopter and aeroplane support over the past two years. It also shows that the positive outcomes achieved in tasks where air support is deployed remains high, at 90.3%.
In introducing this year's report, Chief Constable John Robins QPM DL, of West Yorkshire Police, and holder of the Police Air Operator's Certificate, said: "With an average of 100 calls for service every day, and over 90% of attended taskings resulting in a positive outcome, the continued need for air support, and the value it brings to policing, is clear to see.
"But it doesn’t come without its challenges.
"NPAS operates one of the oldest helicopter fleets in the UK. Maintaining a national fleet and delivering an efficient and effective service that complies with strict safety and regulatory requirements, whilst meeting the dynamic needs of today’s policing, is no easy task.
"It is testament to the hard work, experience, skill and passion of all those who work in NPAS, and our partners and suppliers who support the service, that we see such positive results. It is also pleasing to see that work on a fleet replacement programme has gathered pace and, with thanks to BlueLight Commercial, we are closer to procuring new aircraft.
"This will deliver the most significant investment in police aircraft and equipment since NPAS was formed in 2012.
"Police aviation is facing a period of transformation as those within the air service, and those who benefit from it, work together to define the future of police air support. The advances in drone technology offer new and exciting opportunities for policing.
"As a service we need to embrace the these opportunities to maximise our capabilities in preventing and detecting crime, and keeping the public safe.
"The National Police Chiefs’ Council is leading the way in the development of an updated national Aviation Strategy which will set out a new vision for air support. We look forward to helping shape that future, whilst maintaining our focus on delivering excellence in police air support."
Glenn Shelley, the NPAS Accountable Manager at the end of the financial year, added: "Very few people get to see behind the scenes of NPAS and witness the level of professionalism and training which goes into delivering an aviation service that is both safe and meets strict regulatory requirements, whilst also retaining the ability to adapt to the dynamic nature of policing and all that requires in terms of delivering efficiencies.
"From our pilots, tactical flight officers and despatchers, to our technical services, projects and headquarters staff, plus our suppliers and service delivery partners, every single person plays an essential part in delivering public safety from the air. I thank them for their contribution and commitment to the National Police Air Service."
