WINNIPEG — Alberta RCMP have lent an infrared camera to the Winnipeg police so their helicopter can resume full-time duty.
The infrared camera on Air1, the city’s police helicopter, broke down in mid-July.
Since then, the chopper hasn’t responded to calls or engaged in patrols because of the risk to ground units, said patrol Sgt. Rob Duttchen.
“If we can’t search in infrared mode for suspects that may be hiding, if we can’t follow vehicles at a great distance or look for abnormal deviated human behaviour, they’re not getting that advanced heads up but they’re used to a level of service and that creates an officer safety risk,” said Duttchen.
Alberta RCMP were able to loan Winnipeg Police a camera from an aircraft that is out of commission.
It’s the same model as the one that used to be on Air1.
“It’s as close to plug and play as you can get in commercial aviation,” said Duttchen.
Air1 was almost permanently grounded last week due to funding issues, said acting police chief Art Stannard on Friday. However, an agreement was made to purchase a new infrared camera for the helicopter.
Earlier this year, the police service said it needed to replace their old thermal imaging camera. By the end of August, the cost had risen to $560,000.
The police board approved the purchase of the new camera after the province refused to pay more than the $180,000 they had already agreed to contribute.
The service still needs to put out the tender for the camera and its installation.
In the meantime, the RCMP camera will allow Air1 to function normally.
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