Essex Police could lose force helicopter (From Gazette)

Essex Police could lose force helicopter

10:00am Thursday 9th February 2012 in Harwich & Manningtree

CRIMINALS could escape the gaze of the eye in the sky with Essex set to lose its dedicated police helicopter.

Mark Smith, chairman of the Essex Police Federation, believes people in Essex will be put in danger if current proposals for a national police air service go ahead.

A decision on the future of the helicopter will be made on Monday but the recommendation is to sign up to a national service.

Mr Smith believes that would be a big mistake.

He said: “There is no getting round it. It is good to have the support of a helicopter. This could have an impact on officer and public safety and the fact is we will miss it.

“When you need the helicopter, you need it right away.”

Mr Smith claims current proposals will mean police helicopters will be available less in Essex and be further away when needed in the county’s skies.

He also dismissed the idea it would save a lot of money and said it would leave people exposed.

“It does take a lot to run but we lease it out to Kent and Cambridge and get money from them which probably covers a lot of the running costs,” he said.

However, the proposal for the formation of a national police air service is supported by Essex Police chief constable Jim Barker-McCardle.