Aviation Unit

The police department added aviation services in April of 2000 as part of a regional effort with Anne Arundel County Police Department. Utilizing an Army surplus helicopter on Friday and Saturday evenings, the helicopter quickly proved to be an important law enforcement tool.

In 2005, the department received approval to purchase a new Bell 407 helicopter. The new helicopter greatly increased the Aviation Unit’s capabilities. It was delivered in August 2007 and during the first year of operation, the flight crews logged 450 hours of flight time, conducted 1,325 periodic checks, 250 homeland security checks, and assisted with 45 arrests, 366 searches, 18 bailouts, 17 missing persons, 8 vehicle pursuits, and located 10 stolen vehicles with airborne LoJack equipment. Aviation Unit officers now provide aerial coverage seven days a week.