Organizational News

Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw says new helicopter air support from the Government of Ontario will allow the Toronto Police Service (TPS) to respond quickly and effectively to priority events such as gun crimes, home invasions, car jackings, robberies, natural disasters, and missing persons, with minimal impact on the public.

“I want to thank the Ontario government and Solicitor General Michael Kerzner for this much-needed air support to keep our city safe,” said Chief Demkiw at Downsview Airport. “A helicopter will help us get even more guns, and the criminals who use them, off our streets. A helicopter will help us apprehend those who are breaking into homes and stealing cars. A helicopter will help us find missing and vulnerable persons. In short, a helicopter will help us fight crime in our city and save lives.”

Chief Demkiw was joined by Ontario Solicitor General Michael Kerzner to provide an update on the new Joint Air Support Unit helicopter for TPS.

The new Airbus H135 helicopter is part of a $134 million investment by the Ontario government to purchase five new police helicopters for use in the Greater Toronto Area and Ottawa region. While TPS waits for delivery of the new helicopter, the Ontario Provincial Police will provide air support when requested.

This joint air support program gives TPS new capability because suspect pursuits come with significant risk to the public and officers. Air support mitigates that risk by allowing police to safely track and monitor violent suspects and deploy units on the ground.

“Criminal networks have become more sophisticated, but so have we,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “In Ontario, a car is stolen every 14 minutes—this is completely unacceptable. These helicopters will be a critical tool in helping police stay one step ahead of the criminals who are stealing cars and committing crimes on our streets."

Chief Demkiw was also joined by Ontario Associate Minister of Auto Theft and Bail Reform, Graham McGregor, Member of Provincial Parliament for Scarborough--Centre, David Smith, and Toronto Police Service Board Vice-Chair, Lisa Kostakis.

This investment will support a pilot and ground crew for the helicopter, as well as five net new Toronto Police Tactical Flight Officer positions within TPS to coordinate ground response. The new helicopter will integrate and work side-by-side with Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems to provide greater range and duration, where needed, to keep the public safe.