Because of the many competing responsibilities that the EPS must juggle, the Edmonton Police Commission was involved from the beginning in helping to determine whether the use of a police helicopter is beneficial to the community. With the help of the Project SOS group and the citizens of Edmonton and area, yes, we can afford the helicopter. We will be partnering with the RCMP and have been invited to operate out of their hangar. The jurisdictions neighbouring Edmonton are of course policed by the RCMP, which has its own helicopter. However, should the RCMP helicopter be performing duties elsewhere in the province, or be unavailable, the Edmonton Police helicopter could certainly respond.
Jurisdictional issues are secondary to the protection of life and property.
However, urgent calls for service taking place in Edmonton will take priority. Although two patrol constables have been chosen to participate in the helicopter program on a full-time basis, their positions will not be eliminated. Other officers will be redeployed to the front line to maintain staffing levels. One of the most important characteristics of the helicopter model under consideration is how quiet it is. While on routine patrol, the helicopter would operate at about 1,300 feet above ground level and would barely be noticeable.