These members serve as supervisors, observers and pilots. To be considered for selection as a pilot, the police applicant must possess a Commercial Pilot Certificate with a helicopter rating, second-class medical certificate and one thousand hours pilot flight time in helicopters. To be considered for selection as a police observer, the applicant must have a pilot certificate and a second-class medical. The city purchased two new Bell 206L-4 Long Rangers which have single gas turbine engines. They are designed to takeoff and land on any reasonably level terrain.
Standard configuration provides seating for one pilot and six passengers.
Both the main rotor and tail rotor have two blades. The aircraft holds 112 U.S. gallons of fuel. The utilization of the helicopters in patrol has proven itself to be an asset of immeasurable value. The unit has controlled 57 vehicle pursuits, with no accidents or injuries. The use of LoJack Tracking has led to 43 hits with recoveries and three major chop shops have been discovered.