Aviation Unit
The Mesa Police Department Aviation Section began as a fixed-wing-only
program in 1986 on a part-time basis. Qualified rated pilots from within the
Department supplied transportation and surveillance services. Currently the
Section operates one fixed-wing aircraft -- a Cessna 172N Skyhawk. The
Cessna's role is to provide aerial surveillance, conduct large-area searches
or other missions requiring long endurance, and transport detectives for
investigation follow-up.
In January of 1994 the Department leased two McDonnell
Douglas 500E turbine helicopters and the Aviation Section began
full-time operations. The helicopters were eventually purchased
by the department. A third MD500E helicopter was added to the
fleet in May, 2003. Today the section has flown more than 47,000
helicopter hours without an accident. This represents the
commitment of the Aviation Section to enhance safety and service
to patrol and fire personnel, along with the citizens of Mesa.
Those hours were spent providing support to every aspect of law
enforcement and other city departments.
The Mesa Police helicopters average 10 flight hours per day,
seven days per week, and answers an average of 25 calls each
day. Each year the helicopter proves to be an invaluable law
enforcement tool. If the helicopter is in the air, the average
response time to a scene is 54 seconds. Since the Aviation
Section began using the helicopter, they have assisted in
recovering nearly $13,000,000 in stolen property and in locating
more than 500 missing persons (most of which have been lost
children).
Today the Aviation Section consists of eight full-time
helicopter pilots who are also proficient Tactical Flight
Officers, a chief pilot, two part-time fixed-wing pilots, six
part-time Tactical Flight Officers (all of whom are Mesa Police
Officers), two mechanics, one secretary, and one sergeant. The
Aviation Section has developed the helicopter program with
safety and efficiency in mind. The Section also works with the
Mesa Fire Department Technical Rescue Team on mountain and swift
water rescues, as well as firefighting operations.
The
helicopter is flown at an elevation of approximately 500 to 700
feet above the ground. This makes it easily visible to everyone.
The onboard public address system and the searchlight are
only used during investigations of criminal activity or
while searching for missing persons. The Mesa Police Department
Aviation Section understands the importance of noise control.
Therefore, if the helicopter is in your area, there is a valid
reason for it to be there. We respond individually to every call
we receive from private citizens regarding the presence of the
helicopter.
The Aviation Section continues to work toward the
overall goal of the Mesa Police Department of excellence within
the community and a dedication to deliver the best possible
service to its citizens.
Employment with Mesa's Aviation
Unit
To become a member of the Aviation Section you
must first become a Mesa Police Officer. After you have been a
patrol officer for a minimum of three years and there is a
position posted for a member in the Aviation Section you will be
eligible to apply for the position.
If you would like more information regarding the
application and hiring process for a Mesa Police Officer, you
can call the Mesa Police Department
Human
Resources at (480) 644-2816.
Thank you for your interest in one of Mesa's
finest law enforcement tools.
Wildfire Training
The Mesa Police Department recently trained with the Central
Arizona Wildland Response Team (fire agencies from throughout
the State) in the 2009 Interagency Wildland Urban/Interface Fire
Exercise to combat wildfires.
Mesa Police Department
Aviation Unit
Falcon Field
480-644-3775