Air Support

The Ottawa Police Service Air Support Unit (ASU) helps enhance public and officer safety from above. Working day or night, the unit supports officers on the ground by locating missing or vulnerable people, assisting during high-risk incidents, and helping coordinate resources in real time. The ASU gives responding officers a clear overhead view that can improve decision-making, reduce risk, and support faster, safer outcomes.

The Team

The Air Support Unit operates with certified pilots and trained Tactical Flight Officers (TFO) on board. The Tactical Flight Officers are responsible for monitoring police radio traffic, using onboard camera technology, and communicating with officers on the ground. Together, the crew provides aerial support during a wide range of public safety incidents.

What the ASU Does

The Air Support Unit supports a range of police operations and public safety needs, including:

• locating missing or vulnerable people
• supporting search and rescue operations
• assisting officers during high-risk calls
• providing a safe alternative to vehicle pursuits
• helping track suspects or vehicles during in-progress incidents
• monitoring major events, traffic flow, and public gatherings
• assisting during disasters, evacuations, and weather-related emergencies

The goal is always the same: to improve safety, provide better situational awareness, and support officers and partners on the ground.

The Technology

The ASU is equipped with specialized technology designed to support safe and effective aerial operations, including:

• thermal and low-light camera systems
• live video and mapping tools
• GPS and augmented-reality mapping
• public-address search capability
• night-vision equipment and high-visibility doors on helicopter deployments

These tools help officers locate people, track movement, and guide ground resources with greater accuracy.

Privacy and Accountability

The Ottawa Police Service takes privacy seriously. Air Support Unit flights are conducted for specific public safety purposes and are not used for broad or indiscriminate public observation.