Following an invitation to visit Thames Valley Polices’ Chiltern Air Support, operational members from Berkshire Lowland Search and Rescue (SEBEV) went to RAF Benson in July. They were given the grand tour by David Frew a retired police officer and member of the unit, now a volunteer.

David explained the history of the Unit from its early beginnings in the 1980’s to the present day set up which comprises two Eurocopter EC135’s based at RAF Henlow and RAF Benson. The Unit operates under a consortium agreement between Bedfordshire Police, Thames Valley Police and Hertfordshire Police. Together the aircraft cover more than 3,200 square miles and attend more than 5,600 incidents each year.

SEBEV also visited the hangar to inspect the Eurocopter in detail and examine many of its communications, navigation, surveillance and tracking equipment features including video cameras, stills cameras, thermal imaging technology, “Sky Shout” public address system, “Nite Sun” lighting and VHF receivers to trace stolen vehicles fitted with tracker-type systems.

The unit carries out numerous photographic or surveillance tasks, helping with everything from planning search warrants to gathering evidence. They include searches for vulnerable, missing or wanted people, vehicle pursuits and pro-active operations. They are particularly effective in search situations, since crews can cover a square mile in around 15 minutes. The helicopters are also equipped to fly casualties to hospital, assist in river rescues and can act as airborne command and control posts during complex cross-border incidents.

Although Eurocopter 135s and have special noise reduction features, including distinctive enclosed rear rotors to avoid disturbing residents, you can even find out why the helicopter was flying over your house by visiting the Bedfordshire Police Facebook page!