The Regina Police Service (RPS) is marking a significant milestone as its Aerial Support Unit (ASU) has completed one year of operations.

According to a release from RPS, between January 20, 2023, and January 31, 2024, the six-officer team responded to a total of 2,607 calls for service.

Among these calls, there were 44 instances involving sick or injured individuals, 30 reports of missing persons, and 57 incidents related to suicide in progress.

Over the year, the ASU logged 1,260 hours in the air, avoiding 337 trips for ground units. Their efforts led to the recovery of 31 stolen vehicles, the charging of 583 individuals and the laying of 1,243 total charges.

“We immediately saw the impact we could have from both an officer safety perspective and for the public too,” says Sgt. Steve Wyatt, an ASU Pilot. “When we are able to work with ground units to stop a suspect driving at high speeds in a stolen car, simply by following them via the ‘eye in the sky’ until they stop, this prevents so many possible negative outcomes.”

The achievements of the ASU highlight the valuable contributions made by aerial support units in enhancing public safety and supporting law enforcement efforts in Regina and surrounding areas.