How we support police forces
The National Police Air Service (NPAS) provides continuous air support to all police forces across England and Wales—24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
We operate a borderless service, meaning our aircraft and crews can be deployed wherever they’re needed most, including during major incidents and critical operations.
Fast, flexible, and life-saving
Flying at average speeds of 138mph, our aircraft help save valuable time when every second counts. Whether it’s tracking suspects, supporting officers on the ground, or helping to locate vulnerable missing people, NPAS plays a vital role in keeping communities safe.
What we do every day
Our crews are trained to carry out a wide range of tasks, including:
- Searching for high-risk missing people, including children and vulnerable adults
- Locating injured individuals or those in danger
- Tracking suspects and managing vehicle pursuits from the air
- Supporting counter-terrorism and specialist firearms operations
- Providing aerial surveillance during major public events or incidents
In time-critical situations - like the search for a missing child - the speed and reach of air support can mean the difference between life and death.
Coordinated national response
Our NPAS Operations Centre runs 24/7 and handles all requests for air support from police forces and partner agencies across the country. This centralised approach ensures the right resources are deployed quickly and effectively. Find out more about how air support is deployed.
Our fleet
We operate a fleet of:
- 19 helicopters (EC135 and EC145 models)
- Four fixed-wing aircraft (for longer-range and surveillance missions)
The benefits of police air support
Police air support plays a vital role in modern policing, offering unique advantages that enhance public safety, improve operational efficiency, and support frontline officers. Here’s how:
Covers large areas quickly
Aircraft can search vast areas up to 20 times faster than ground-based teams. This speed is crucial in time-sensitive situations such as locating missing persons, tracking suspects, or responding to major incidents.
Reduces risk to officers and the public
From the air, crews can provide a comprehensive overview of unfolding incidents. This helps ground commanders make informed decisions, reduces the need to place officers in potentially dangerous situations, and improves public safety during high-risk operations.
Real-time video feeds into control rooms
All NPAS aircraft are equipped with advanced mission systems that stream live video directly into police control rooms. This gives decision-makers immediate situational awareness and supports better coordination between air and ground units.
Flexible deployment across the country
Because NPAS operates a borderless national service, aircraft and crews can be moved quickly to meet demand anywhere in England and Wales. This flexibility ensures that air support is available where and when it’s needed most.
A visible deterrent to crime
The presence of a police aircraft overhead can act as a powerful deterrent, discouraging criminal activity and reassuring communities. It also supports public confidence by showing that police are actively responding to incidents.
Supports evidence gathering
NPAS aircraft capture high-quality aerial footage that can be used as evidence in investigations and court proceedings. This footage can provide crucial context, track suspect movements, and support the prosecution of offences.