Police in South to share helicopters
Hampshire, Surrey and Sussex merge service
Police in Hampshire, Sussex and Surrey will share the use of two helicopters after an agreement was reached to merge their air support units.
The cut-back should save the authorities around 8-million-pounds over the next five years and is expected to come into operation by the end of 2010.
Sussex Police say the arrangement means the three forces will continue to have access to an "expensive resource" despite pressures on their budgets.
Currently, each Authority operates its own individual air support unit, Surrey and Sussex using helicopters and Hampshire operating a fixed wing aeroplane.
Cllr. Jacqui Rayment, Chair of Hampshire Police Authority, said: "Having air support available makes a big difference for the police on the ground. Not only does it give the police an edge over criminals; it is invaluable for helping locate missing persons and also provides important support for dealing with major incidents.
"This kind of specialist service does not come cheap, but by working together we are able to maintain the provision of effective air support at a time of decreasing public spending."
Dr Laurie Bush, Chairman of Sussex Police Authority, added:
"After lengthy and detailed discussions between Authorities and Forces, we have agreed that collaborating in this way on air support represents the most sensible way to protect this important service in difficult times.
"This kind of decision is not taken lightly and we have worked hard to make sure that the outcome is the right one for the residents of Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire."
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