Policy Text
CATEGORY DATE ADOPTED LAST REVIEW
1 01/24/2011 05/11/2022
TUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDERS
___________________________
438 - Obtaining Air Support 1 POLICY 438 OBTAINING AIR SUPP ORT
438.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The use of air support can be invaluable in certain situations. This policy specifies potential
situations where the use of air support may be requested , and the responsibilities for making
such a request.
438.1.1 ACCREDITATION STANDARDS
This section pertains to the following CALEA Standards: 41.2.2
438.2 REQUEST FOR AIR SUPPORT
If a supervisor or officer in charge of an incident determi nes that the use of air support would be
beneficial, a request to obtain assistance may be made.
438.2.1 REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE FROM ANOTHER AGENCY
After consideration and approval of the request for air support , the Watch Commander will direct
the Communications Center to attempt to call an air support unit using the AIRCALL radio
channel. The Communications Officer will broadcast on AIRCALL and advise that “Station 34 is
requesting air support for (state the crime).” The local helicopters monitor AIRCALL and will
respond if available. The responding agency will advise they are enroute from their location, or
base, and then come up on our Green -1 Channel , (or alternate if advised) to coordinate with
Officers.
The use of AIRCALL should be limited to the reason for the request and crime. Specific details
should be communicated to the air support unit via Green -1 or other encrypted radio frequency.
438.2.2 CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH AID MAY BE REQUESTED
Air support may be requested under any of the following conditions:
a) When air support is activated under existing mutual aid agreements ;
b) Whenever the safety of law enforcement personnel is in jeopardy ; and the presence of the
air support may reduce such hazard ;
c) When the use of air support will aid in the capture of a suspected fleeing felon , whose
continued freedom represents an on -going threat to the community ;
d) When air support is needed to locate a person who has strayed , or is lost and whose
continued absence constitutes a serious health or safety hazard ;
e) Vehicle pursuits ;
f) At the discretion of the Watch Commander.
CATEGORY DATE ADOPTED LAST REVIEW
1 01/24/2011 05/11/2022
TUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDERS
___________________________
438 - Obtaining Air Support 2 While it is recognized that the avai lability of air support will generally provide valuable assistance
to ground personnel, the presence of air support will rarely replace the need for officers on the
ground.