Assignment to the unit is an additional duty for all the pilots and observers. The unit is considered a part-time support unit. The Sheriff's Department does not currently operate a helicopter. The unit recognizes the value and flexibility that a helicopter does provide in law enforcement operations. It is a long-term goal of the Air Unit to obtain and operate a helicopter in support of the Department's Operations.
Safety is and has always been the guiding operational concern for the unit.
Since 1980, the Air Unit has not had a single serious accident or injury as a result of its operations.