What’s happening?
POLAIR has completed its first year of operations in Townsville, officially commencing on 1 October 2024. It followed the successful contracted Meridian Helicopters aerial assets which operated from mid-December 2023.
In its first 12 months, the helicopter team has responded to urgent jobs as far south as Proserpine, west to Charters Towers, and north to Cairns. POLAIR has seen major success tracking stolen vehicles, targeting domestic violence offenders, conducting surveillance, and searching for missing persons.
Why it matters
Townsville District Officer Acting Chief Superintendent Chris Lawson said POLAIR has significantly boosted the ability to quickly respond during police operations.
“The aircrafts are equipped with state-of-the-art safety technology and advanced camera and night vision instruments, providing added capabilities during operations.
“This technology is vital when responding to critical incidents, like tracking stolen vehicles, arresting offenders, surveillance operations, and locating missing persons,” Chief Superintendent Lawson said.
Police Air Operations Manager Chief Inspector Daniel Bust said POLAIR provides critical situational awareness to frontline and specialist police in Townsville and surrounding areas.
“The first 12 months of this capability in Townsville has resulted in significant outcomes for the Townsville community, with the aircraft directly assisting local police with the arrest of over 350 offenders and more than 120 domestic and family violence respondents being located.
“Introducing a new airborne law enforcement capability in Townsville has been a substantial achievement for POLAIR, from the recruitment and training of our Tactical Flight Officer team, introducing a new aircraft type with the Bell 429, and developing inter-operability with district staff.
“Our successes are due to a great working relationship with our local service provider, Meridian Helicopters, and ensuring all POLAIR deployments are aligned with supporting the district and keeping the Townsville community safe,” Chief Inspector Bust said.
Local Impact
The aircraft has supported urgent police operations throughout North Queensland and been first to arrive at hundreds of incidents, including serious domestic violence callouts and stolen vehicle pursuits.
By the numbers
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POLAIR responded to 1,161 calls for service since 1 October 2024.
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It was the first QPS asset on scene for 577 jobs.
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The helicopter assisted in 15 searches for vulnerable or missing persons.
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It supported police in the arrest of 351 offenders, including 114 young offenders.
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POLAIR attended 194 serious domestic violence incidents as a first response capability.
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It was involved in containing or locating 124 domestic and family violence respondents.
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The aircraft responded to 184 stolen vehicle jobs and helped recover 74 stolen vehicles.
Zoom In
POLAIR’s helicopter is the Bell 429, fitted with advanced camera systems, night vision instruments, and safety technology to improve operational capability in critical incidents.
Zoom Out
The Townsville POLAIR service builds on earlier aerial operations provided by Meridian Helicopters from December 2023, expanding Queensland Police Service’s use of airborne assets to strengthen public safety.
What to look for next?
With its first year completed, Townsville POLAIR will continue deployments to support frontline police in urgent responses, surveillance operations, domestic violence callouts, and searches for missing persons.
