The Redlands Police Department is recruiting volunteer pilots to participate in the newly constituted Air Support Unit.

Pilots must be at least 21 years old with at least a private pilot’s license, current medical certificate and a minimum 300 hours flight time in a fixed-wing, general aviation aircraft with significant time in a Cessna 172.

Volunteer pilots will be required to pass a background check and interview as well as explain their reason for volunteering and their flight experience. They will also be required to pass a flight test.

Those selected must be able to fly at least two 4-hour shifts per month and participate in monthly training sessions.

The City Council on March 20 voted 4-1 to approve spending $185,000 in drug asset seizure and tow impound funds on an Air Support Unit program for the Redlands Police Department.

The Air Support Unit, using volunteer pilots, many of whom are retired law enforcement officers, and a specially outfitted Cessna 172 will provide patrol and surveillance support to Redlands Police officers and special units on the ground.

The 18-month trial program will be paid for largely out of drug asset seizure funds, taken from local drug dealers, a portion of which is returned to the local law enforcement agency specifically for use in narcotics-related law enforcement purposes. The rest of the program will be funded with traffic impound funds, designated by law for use with traffic related enforcement and from private donations.

None of the program’s funding will come from the city’s General Fund, the money used to pay for traditional city obligations such as street maintenance and repair, tree trimming, police and firefighters and other personnel.

The Air Support Unit will fly approximately 800 to1,000 hours per year in a variety of duties, including patrolling the city’s streets, neighborhoods and canyon areas, assisting ground units and providing surveillance assistance to specialized units.

The Air Support Unit will serve as a force multiplier, dramatically increasing the crime control effectiveness of the Police Department’s current efforts.

To volunteer, send an e-mail with your qualifications and contact information to chief@redlandspolice.org or call (909) 335-4744.

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