Air Support Unit (Falcon Field)
The Mesa Police Department's Air Support Unit began as a fixed-wing only program in 1986 on a part-time basis. During the initial startup of the Air Support Unit, pilots from within the Department supplied transportation and public safety services. Today, the Air Support Unit utilizes FAA Certificated Flight Instructors, within the unit, to provide transitional training, maintain pilot currencies and proficiency checks in accordance with FAA rules and regulations.
In January of 1994 the department leased two McDonnell Douglas 500E Helicopters and the Air Support Unit began full-time operations. Currently, the Air Support Unit owns and operates three MD 530FF Helicopters.
In addition to the helicopters, the Unit operates a Cessna P210 Centurion airplane. The Cessna Centurion's primary roles are to provide aerial support, conduct large-area searches/rescue operations and various transport services.
Since 1986, the section has flown nearly 76,000 flight hours in direct support of our community. This represents the Mesa Police Department’s commitment to enhanced safety, efficiency, and service to patrol, fire personnel and the residents of Mesa. Those hours were spent supporting every facet of law enforcement, as well as the aviation needs of other city departments.
Mesa Police helicopters average seven flight hours per day and answer an average of 18 calls for service each day. Each year the Air Support Unit proves to be an invaluable law enforcement tool, with an average response time of 54 seconds. The Aviation Section, since inception, has assisted in locating over 600 missing persons (most of whom have been lost children) and recovering nearly $18,000,000 in stolen property.
The helicopter is flown at an elevation of approximately 500 to 700 feet above ground level (AGL). This makes it easily visible to everyone. The onboard public address system, the searchlight and the infrared camera system are only used during investigations of criminal activity or while searching for missing persons. The Mesa Police Department's Air Support Unit understands the importance of noise control. Therefore, if the helicopter is in your area, there is a valid reason for it to be there. They respond individually to every call they receive from private citizens regarding the presence of the helicopter.
Today, the Air Support Unit is based at Mesa’s Falcon Field Airport. It consists of eleven full-time members, including Pilots, Tactical Flight Officers (TFO), FAA Airframe and Powerplant Mechanics (A&P) and an Aviation Administrator.
The Air Support Unit continues to work toward the overall Mesa Police Department goal of excellence within the community and dedication to deliver the best possible service to its residents.
Employment with Mesa's Air Support Unit
To become a member of the Air Support Unit you must first become a Mesa Police Officer. After you have been a patrol officer for a minimum of three years, you become eligible to apply for open positions in the Air Support Unit.
If you would like more information regarding the application and hiring process for a Mesa Police Officer, please visit joinmesapd.com.
Thank you for your interest in one of Mesa’s finest law enforcement tools.