Annual Report 2023/24 | National Police Air Service

This report highlights the valuable and unique work of the ground and air crews of the National Police Air Service (NPAS) throughout 2023/24.

Introduction by Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police John Robins, QPM DL

Photograph of Chief Constable John Robins, QPM DL — Chief Constable John Robins, QPM DL

This report tells the story of NPAS throughout the year and how it is supporting police forces across England and Wales.

With an average of 100 calls for service every day, and over 90% of attended taskings resulting in a positive outcome, the continued need for air support, and the value it brings to policing, is clear to see.

But it doesn’t come without its challenges.

NPAS operates one of the oldest helicopter fleets in the UK. Maintaining a national fleet and delivering an efficient and effective service that complies with strict safety and regulatory requirements, whilst meeting the dynamic needs of today’s policing, is no easy task.

It is testament to the hard work, experience, skill and passion of all those who work in NPAS, and our partners and suppliers who support the service, that we see such positive results. It is also pleasing to see that work on a fleet replacement programme has gathered pace and, with thanks to BlueLight Commercial, we are closer to procuring new aircraft.

This will deliver the most significant investment in police aircraft and equipment since NPAS was formed in 2012.

Police aviation is facing a period of transformation as those within the air service, and those who benefit from it, work together to define the future of police air support. The advances in drone technology offer new and exciting opportunities for policing.

As a service we need to embrace the these opportunities to maximise our capabilities in preventing and detecting crime, and keeping the public safe.

The National Police Chiefs’ Council is leading the way in the development of an updated national Aviation Strategy which will set out a new vision for air support. We look forward to helping shape that future, whilst maintaining our focus on delivering excellence in police air support.