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Chiltern Air Support Unit

Helicopter / Route planning

In 1995, Thames Valley Police, Bedfordshire Police and Hertfordshire Constabulary were given a Home Office grant to buy a second helicopter.

A consortium agreement was drawn up between the three police forces. This allowed for a second operating base at Luton Airport to service the needs of the eastern area of the consortium. In January 1996, the Chiltern Air Support Unit was launched.

The Unit operates under the Thames Valley Police Air Operators Certificate. The aircraft and equipment are owned by Thames Valley Police although the consortium agreement protects the financial investment of all three forces. The running costs are divided between the three forces in proportion to their respective populations and usage.

The second helicopter, a twin-engine ‘Squirrel’ designated G-CPOL, was based at Luton Airport and staffed by a sergeant and seven constables from Bedfordshire Police and Hertfordshire Constabulary, with three pilots. Shift patterns between the two helicopter teams were arranged to provide near 24-hour availability.

In March 1998, the western base of the Unit moved to RAF Benson, near Wallingford. This was a more central location for Thames Valley Police and improved the response time for the Thames Valley area.