Air Support

The Fort Worth Police Department Air Support Unit was established in 1968, becoming the first law enforcement agency in Texas to utilize helicopters for aerial patrols over the city.

Today, the unit is staffed by a dedicated team of one aircraft mechanic, four full-time pilots, four tactical flight officers, one sergeant, and one lieutenant. The unit operates two Bell 505 Jet Ranger X helicopters—light, single-engine aircraft outfitted with advanced navigation systems, a high-resolution thermal imaging camera, and a 22,500-lumen searchlight.

Operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the Air Support Unit provides vital support to officers across Fort Worth and the surrounding counties. It plays a key role in assisting ground units, including Patrol, SWAT, Narcotics, and Intelligence units.

Primary Duties:                                                                                                                                               

• Pursuits/stolen vehicles

• Missing persons

• Robberies

• Burglary in progress

• Shootings/person with weapons

• Suicide attempts

• Surveillance for intelligence and investigative functions

Community Service:

• Area schools for career days

• City-sponsored events

• Neighborhood events

• National Night Out

• Local business events

Photos
The below slideshow features photos of the unit's helicopters, from the present to the 1970s: