Air Support Unit Standard Operating Procedure

Air Support Unit Standard Operating Procedure Notice: This document has been made available through the Police Service of Scotland Freedom of Information Publication Scheme. It should not be utilised as guidance or instruction by any police officer or employee as it may have been redacted due to legal exemptions. Owning Department Specialist Operations, OSD Version Number 2.00 Date Published 31/03/2016 Version 2.00

Compliance Record Equality Impact Assessment: Date Completed / Reviewed: 28/03/2016 Information Management Compliant: Health and Safety Compliant: Publication Scheme Compliant: Version Control Table Version History of Amendments Approval Date 1.00 Initial Approved Version 22/04/2013 1.01 Change of Aircraft Call-Sign 10/01/2014 2.00 Periodic Review Change of Heliport and Contact Details for ASU Crew and Supervisory Staff. 28/03/2016 Version 2.00 2

Contents 1. Purpose 2. Introduction 3. Function 4. Staff 5. Tasks Performed by the Air Support Unit 6. Aircraft Capabilities and Limitations 7. Aircraft Equipment 8. Communications 9. Requesting Air Support 10. Training 11. Contact Numbers Appendices Appendix A Appendix B Appendix C Appendix D Appendix E Appendix F Appendix G List of Associated Legislation List of Associated Reference Documents List of Associated Forms Glossary of Terms Process Map Air Support Request Spontaneous Process Map Air Support Request Pre-planned Process Map Air Support Request Missing Persons Version 2.00 3

1. Purpose 1.1 This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) supports the Police Service of Scotland (hereinafter referred to as Police Scotland ) Specialist Operations Policy. 1.2 The purpose of this SOP is to provide an overview of the Police Scotland Air Support Unit (ASU) and the rules which govern police air operations. In addition this document provides general guidance on: Tasking of the aircraft (both spontaneous and pre-planned); Operational capabilities and limitations; Deployment to simultaneous competing incidents. 2. Introduction 2.1 The ASU forms part of the Police Scotland, Operational Support Division (OSD), Specialist Operations. The Unit is located at: Clyde Heliport, 16 Linthouse Road, Glasgow, G51 4BZ. 2.2 The ASU operates in terms of a Police Air Operator s Certificate (PAOC) in accordance with Civil Aviation legislation. The Police Air Operations Manual (PAOM) Part 1 - Civil Aviation Publication (CAP) 612, is a joint Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) / Home Office policy for the conduct of police air operations (as required by Air Navigation Order 2009). It is intended to ensure and legislate for a safe and effective national standard of operation in accordance with the PAOC. The PAOM further specifies certain easements allowing police aircraft to fly in a manner that other aircraft are prohibited from doing. 2.3 Police Scotland have contracted the supply of aircraft, pilots and engineering support to a commercial supplier who is the holder of a PAOC, issued by the CAA (Air Navigation Order 2009 refers). 3. Function 3.1 The primary function of the police air support unit is: To provide air support to operational officers and specialist departments; and To preserve life. 4. Staff 4.1 The ASU is currently staffed by an Inspector, Sergeant and six Constables and is managed daily by the Unit Executive Officer (UEO) who will be of Version 2.00 4

supervisory rank and have attended Home Office/CAA training. In the UEO s absence the Deputy Unit Executive Officer (DUEO), who will have similar training, will assume responsibility. Both of these roles have specific responsibilities as laid down in the PAOM. 4.2 The aircraft is crewed by a pilot, employed by a contracted service provider, and two trained Police Air Observers. 4.3 Relief cover is supplied from a pool of trained and experienced Air Observers. 5. Tasks Performed by the Air Support Unit 5.1 The following list details the main tasks that will be carried out by the ASU. It is not exhaustive and officers should not hesitate to contact the duty crew for advice on any potential task: Search: missing persons, wanted or suspect persons, vehicles, and stolen plant or equipment. Firearms Incidents: provides an overview of the incident to commanders on the ground. Downlink can provide live feed video to both tactical and operational commanders depending on location. Vehicle Pursuits: deployed as a command and control platform and to record evidential footage. Can be used as a safe follow. Rapid Transport: to convey small numbers of staff and equipment, as a matter of urgency, to an incident where their attendance is necessary and time critical for the protection of life or preservation of evidence, there being no other viable means of getting personnel or equipment to the scene within required timescales. Major Incidents: Events - airborne command and control platform as well as down-linking real-time footage to strategic, tactical and operational commanders. Aerial Photography: for evidential or planning purposes for future operations or events. Covert tasks will be carried out in accordance with the Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Scotland) Act 2000 (RIP(S)A). Requests for photographs should be made directly to the Air Support Unit. Aerial Surveillance: utilising the Forward Looking Infra-Red (FLIRthermal imaging) / Digital camera. All tasks will be carried out in accordance with the RIP(S)A. Any requirement for surveillance should be discussed with officers of the unit who can offer advice regarding tactics and capability. Casevac: to provide immediate assistance to sick or injured persons in life-threatening circumstances, where immediate or rapid transport is essential. This task will only be undertaken as a measure of last resort when no other means of transport is available. Version 2.00 5

6. Aircraft Capabilities and Limitations 6.1 Weather Restrictions 6.1.1 The suitability of the weather for a particular task will vary depending on terrain and geographical location, and the decision as to whether to accept or decline a task on meteorological grounds will be taken by the pilot. Their decision is final and will not be countermanded. 6.1.2 Legislation restricts the helicopter to operating with a minimum of 1 km horizontal visibility and a minimum cloud base of 300 feet by day, increasing to 5 km and 500 feet at night. 6.1.3 Potential requests should not be based on flying conditions assumptions, as advice will be given via the aircrew in respect of any deployment request. 6.2 Operational Considerations 6.2.1 The aircraft will generally operate with a pilot and two police air observers. Under normal circumstances, it can remain airborne for a maximum of one and a half hours, although factors may exist that will reduce or increase this. 6.2.2 The aircraft has the capability to operate anywhere in Scotland. When any request is received for the services of the ASU, consideration will be given to weather conditions between the base and the operating area, flying time to locus, and the nature of the task. To support the aircraft s range, endurance and time on scene, refuelling facilities exist at various locations across the country. 6.2.3 Passengers may be carried under certain circumstances (i.e. rapid transport) but such persons are strictly controlled under legislation. Any person, who may compromise the safety of the aircraft, including a person in police custody, shall not be carried in the aircraft. The final decision regarding the carriage of passengers will rest with the pilot. 7. Aircraft Equipment 7.1 The aircraft is fitted with the following role equipment: FLIR Camera: Daylight and infra-red imaging camera linked to a digital recorder. DVFAR II Digital Recorder: Records images from the aircraft FLIR camera direct to a memory card. This also allows the crew to review footage whilst airborne. Version 2.00 6

Digital Downlink: Transmits real-time images from the aircraft camera in an encrypted format which can be received at Service Overview, Helen Street and HA, HB and HC area control rooms which service G, K, L, Q and U Divisions. Area control rooms out with this area can, with prior notice, utilise one of four portable receivers which can also be set up at the scene of an event. Trakkabeam: Powerful search light which provides illumination from air to ground and can be utilised as a directional tool during operational police incidents. Skyshout : A public address system which can be used to relay messages from up to 800 feet. Stretcher Fit : The aircraft can be quickly reconfigured to carry a stretcher to assist in casualty evacuation. The stretcher is not routinely carried on the aircraft. Night Vision Goggles: The crew and pilot use night-vision goggles to assist with night operations in rural areas. Digital Cameras: The crew take still images for a variety of tasks including evidential and planning and carry Nikon D80 cameras with various lenses. A secure CD burner is also carried allowing a disc to be burned of the images whilst at the scene. Tracker : The aircraft is fitted with a Tracker stolen vehicle tracking system which is integrated within the aircraft Skyforce moving map system. Water Rescue Device: The aircraft has a small rescue device which can be thrown from the aircraft by the observer towards a casualty or person in the water. The device inflates into a buoyancy aid to assist the person in the water. 8. Communications 8.1 Information has been removed due to its content being exempt in terms of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, Section 35(1)(a) and (b), Law Enforcement and Section 30(c), Prejudice to the Effective Conduct of Public Affairs. 8.2 Information has been removed due to its content being exempt in terms of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, Section 35(1)(a) and (b), Law Enforcement. 8.3 Whilst on task, officers on the ground can obtain guidance from the area control room as to the appropriate channel to communicate with the aircraft. 8.4 Common talk groups available to the aircraft which may be utilized are shown overleaf. Version 2.00 7

Information has been removed due to its content being exempt in terms of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, Section 35(1)(a) and (b), Law Enforcement. 9. Requesting Air Support 9.1 Officers dealing with an incident with a requirement for Air Support should, in the first instance, make a request to their own Control Room. Controllers should then adopt the following procedure: 9.2 Spontaneous Incidents 9.2.1 The aircraft is available for immediate deployment from 0800hrs until 2230hrs, seven days a week, including public holidays. 9.2.2 The helicopter can be requested in relation to an ongoing incident by contacting Information has been removed due to its content being exempt in terms of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, Section 30(c), Prejudice to the Effective Conduct of Public Affairs; Information has been removed due to its content being exempt in terms of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, Section 35(1)(a) and (b); Duty Officer, Service Overview, via local area control room. 9.2.3 In the event of two equal priority incidents, where air support is requested for both, the Duty Officer, Service Overview will decide which incident the aircraft shall attend. 9.3 Pre-Planned Operations / Events 9.3.1 To request Air Support in relation to pre-planned operations or events, the Operational Support Tasking Process should be followed. Contact should be made with the ASU for advice Information has been removed due to its content being exempt in terms of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, 30(c), Prejudice to the Effective Conduct of Public Affairs. 9.3.2 Where air support is requested for similar pre-planned operations or events, occurring at the same time, the decision as to the deployment of the helicopter will be made by the Operational Support Co-ordination Unit. 9.4 Out of Hours Call Out 9.4.1 Outwith normal operating hours, the aircraft is available to the Service on a recall basis and will be operational within one hour. On-call crew can be recalled to duty for incidents of a serious or life threatening nature and where there is an urgent need for air support. In such circumstances Control Rooms can request the aircraft by contacting the Duty Officer, Service Overview by Version 2.00 8

telephone Information has been removed due to its content being exempt in terms of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, 30(c), Prejudice to the Effective Conduct of Public Affairs. 9.4.2 In deciding to action the aircraft out of hours the Duty Officer, Service Overview will take into consideration the nature of the incident, urgency, flying time to location and likely benefit of such a deployment. The Duty Officer may contact the on call Air Observer for advice in such circumstances. The Duty Officer s decision is final. 9.5 Advice to Officers Requesting Air Support 9.5.1 The primary purpose of the aircraft is to provide support to operational officers in the investigation of crime and the management of incidents. To that end the assistance of the ASU may be requested by any police officer. 9.5.2 Before attending any incident the on duty crew will apply the following test: 1. Is it Legal? i.e. Are RIP(S)A authorities in place, is visibility and cloud base within the parameters set by the CAA? 2. Is it Safe? i.e. Can the aircraft safely enter the area, land, carry out the requested task? Weather will also be a consideration. 3. Is the Aircraft Likely to Enhance the Police Operation? 9.5.3 It should be appreciated that due to the risks involved in flying, the cost of operating the aircraft and the experience required in judging whether the aircraft can have a positive impact on any particular incident, the final decision on whether to attend an incident will be made by the duty aircrew. 9.5.4 Enquiries relating to the operational deployment of the aircraft should be made directly with the aircrew who will give suitable advice. 10. Training 10.1 All Police Officers working within the ASU are required to complete a one week selection course and thereafter a four-week Police Air Observers Course. Courses are based at the City Heliport in Glasgow and are conducted by the Unit s UEO (Inspector) and Training Officer, assisted by the duty crews and pilots. 10.2 A high standard of communication skills and a broad range of operational policing experience is essential. However, no formal qualifications are required to train as a Police Air Observer. 10.3 The selection week consists of basic navigational tasks and use of role equipment and is designed to assess the individual s suitability for further training and also the suitability of the individual for flying in what can sometimes be very challenging conditions. Version 2.00 9

10.4 The four week initial course covers topics including: Principles of flight; Meteorology; Navigation; Police role equipment; Air observer duties and responsibilities including CAA legislation and contents of the PAOM; Operational procedures; Crew Resource Management (CRM); Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS) training; Search techniques. 10.5 During initial training there is also a requirement to complete fire-fighting training, repeated every three years, and Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (HUET). 10.6 Observers are thereafter required to complete an annual day and night assessment flight, first aid training and attend a mandatory Crew Resource Management seminar (CAA approved). 11. Contact Numbers Information has been removed due to its content being exempt in terms of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, Section 35(1)(a) and (b), Law Enforcement and Section 30(c), Prejudice to the Effective Conduct of Public Affairs. Version 2.00 10

Appendix A List of Associated Legislation Air Navigation Order 2009 Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Scotland) Act 2000 Version 2.00 11

Appendix B List of Associated Reference Documents Policy Police Service of Scotland Specialist Operations Policy Standard Operating Procedures Police Service of Scotland Civil Aviation and Military Aircraft Standard Operating Procedure Police Service of Scotland Armed Policing Operations Standard Operating Procedure Guidance Police Air Operations Manual (PAOM) Part 1 (Civil Aviation Publication 612); Police Air Operations Manual (PAOM) Part 2 (Civil Aviation Publication 613); Operational Support Division Resource Tasking Process (Web Page) Air Support Unit (Web-Page) Version 2.00 12

Appendix C List of Associated Forms PSoS Form 135-010 - OSD Tasking Request Form Version 2.00 13

Appendix D Glossary of Terms ACR Area Control Room ASU Air Support Unit CAA Civil Aviation Authority CAP Civil Aviation Publication CRM Crew Resource Management DUEO Deputy Unit Executive Officer DVFAR Digital Video Format and Audio Recorder FLIR Forward Looking Infra-Red HUET Helicopter Underwater Escape Training NVIS Night Vision Imaging Systems OSD Operational Support Division PAOC Police Air Operators Certificate PAOM Police Air Operations Manual Police Scotland Police Service of Scotland RIP(S)A Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Scotland) Act 2000 SOP Standard Operating Procedure UEO Unit Executive Officer VHF Very High Frequency Version 2.00 14

Requesting Air Support - Spontaneous Incidents Appendix E Requestor Contacts Area Control Room (ACR) ACR Contact Duty Crew Information redacted under Freedom of Information (S) Act 2002, Section 30(c) Prejudice to effective conduct of public affairs and 35(1)(a) and (b), Law Enforcement Duty Crew Contacted by ACR? No Duty Crew Assess Viability and Priority of Task ACR Contact Duty Officer Duty Officer Contacts Duty Crew Text removed under Freedom of Information (S) Act 2002, Sects 30(c) and 35(1)(a) as above Task Accepted? No Duty Crew Record Task Details on Flight Logging System End Other incident(s) of equal priority? Incidents prioritised by Duty Officer, Service Overview No Aircraft Attends Version 2.00 15

Requesting Air Support Pre-Planned Operation Appendix F Photography & Thermal Image requests Pre-planned Operations and Events Contact duty crew Exempt Info removed under Freedom of Information (S) Act 2002, Sect 30(c), Prejudice to Effective Conduct - Public Affairs Contact duty crew or supervisors at City Heliport Information removed due to its content being exempt under Freedom of Information (S) Act 2002, Section 30(c), Prejudice to effective conduct of public affairs Digital photographs or video footage will be provided by the crew. Duty crew provide advice verbally or by email If task appropriate request made through Tasking Process (Section 9.3.1) Supt OS Specialist Operations agrees/declines request Aircraft attends subject to higher priority spontaneous incidents Version 2.00 16

Requesting Air Support Missing Persons Appendix G Is the missing person HIGH risk? No Consider potential vulnerability and contact Duty Crew for advice Is the missing person In a vehicle? No Is there good information to suggest the missing person is in a specific area? Carry out all initial enquiries to establish suitable search parameters. Consider Cell Site Analysis and POLSA advice No Specific search area identified? Consider size and make up of search area No RURAL or OPEN URBAN Contact the Duty Crew Exempt Info removed under Freedom of Information (S) Act 2002, Sect 30(c), Prejudice to Effective Conduct - Public Affairs Not normally suitable. Consider alternative search methods however if in doubt, contact the Duty Crew for advice The above is for guidance only and will not apply to every missing person. Exempt info removed under Freedom of Information (S) Act 2002, Sect 30(c), prejudice to effective conduct of public affairs Version 2.00 17