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The first police helicopters

First Police Helicopters

In 1963, Oxford City Police experimented by using a helicopter for special events. The dog basket attached to the skids can be seen on the side of the Brantley helicopter.

In 1980, an aircraft was used by Thames Valley Police at 20 separate special events and this continued in 1981. In 1982, the first formally-contracted flights took place.

During the next four years, the helicopter was used more frequently. In 1985, a single engine Aerospatiale A350 Squirrel helicopter designated G-JORR was hired for day-time operations during the week. It was based at Oxford Airport and used exclusively by Thames Valley Police. Seven sergeants from the Traffic and Operations departments acted as part-time observers.

In 1986, the Thames Valley Police Air Support Unit relocated to RAF Abingdon and was allocated a budget of 650 flying hours per annum. In 1988, it was recognised that the role of observer was a specialist skill and a team of fully trained, full-time dedicated observers was created.