Mesa Police Department Aviation Unit
Employment with Mesa's Aviation Unit
The Mesa Police Department Aviation Section began as a fixed-wing-only program in 1986 on a
part-time basis. Qualified rated pilots from within the Department supplied transportation
and surveillance services. Currently the Section operates one fixed-wing aircraft -- a
Cessna 172N Skyhawk. The Cessna's role is to support the Special
Investigations Unit with aerial surveillance and to conduct large-area searches
or other missions requiring long endurance. This aircraft is also vital in the section's fixed-wing training
program.
In January of 1994 the Department leased two McDonnell Douglas 500E turbine
helicopters and the Aviation Section began full-time operations. The helicopters
were eventually purchased by the department. A third MD500E helicopter was added
to the fleet in May, 2003. Today the section has flown more than 40,000 helicopter hours without an accident. This represents the fulfillment of the Aviation
Section's Mission to enhance the level of protection and service to patrol and fire
personnel, along with the citizens of the community. Those hours were spent providing
support to every aspect of law enforcement and other city departments.
 The
Mesa Police helicopters average 10 flight hours per day, seven days per week,
and answers an average of 48 calls each day. Each year the helicopter proves to
be an invaluable law enforcement tool. If the helicopter is in the air, the
average response time to a scene is 54 seconds. Since the
Aviation Section began using the helicopter, they have assisted in recovering
nearly
$9,000,000 in stolen property and in locating more than 400 missing persons (most of
which have been lost children).
Today the Aviation Section consists of eight full-time helicopter pilots who
are also proficient Tactical Flight Officers, a chief pilot, two part-time fixed-wing pilots,
fifteen part-time
Tactical Flight Officers (all of whom are Mesa Police Officers), two mechanics, one
secretary, and one sergeant. The Aviation Section has developed the
helicopter program with safety and efficiency in mind. Currently, the Section is working
with the Mesa Fire Department Technical Rescue Team on developing a helicopter rescue
program. The goal is to be able to work with the Fire Department on mountain and swift
water rescues as well as firefighting operations.
The helicopter is flown at an elevation of approximately 500 to 700
feet above the ground. This makes it easily
visible to everyone. The onboard public address system and the searchlight are
only used during investigations of criminal activity or while searching for missing persons.
The Mesa Police Department Aviation Section understands the importance of noise control.
Therefore, if the helicopter is in your area, there is a valid reason for it to be there.
We respond individually to every call we receive from private citizens regarding the
presence of the helicopter. Detailed records are kept for every minute the helicopter is
in the air.
The Aviation Section continues to work toward the overall goal of the Mesa Police
Department of excellence within the community and a dedication to deliver the best
possible service to its citizens.
Any questions or comments can be directed to Sgt. Burlingame at (480)
644-4344.
To become a member of the Aviation Section you must first become
a Mesa Police Officer. After you have been a patrol officer for a
minimum of three years and there is a position posted for
a member in the Aviation Section you will be eligible to apply for the position.
If you would like more information regarding the application and
hiring process for a Mesa Police Officer, you can call the Mesa
Police Department Human Resources at (480) 644-2816.
If you have further questions about the Aviation Section, please call
(480) 644-3775.
Thank you for your interest in one of Mesa's finest law
enforcement tools.
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