Regional force to host all police air services

POLICE bosses in West Yorkshire have approved plans for the force to host the new National Police Air Service, serving the whole of England and Wales.

The agreement, reached at yesterday’s West Yorkshire Police Authority meeting, brings the National Police Air Service (NPAS) plans a step closer – meaning all police air support operations would be co-ordinated by West Yorkshire Police.

NPAS is set to come into force later this year, replacing individual arrangements which currently exist in forces across England and Wales. It is argued the new system will improve operational effectiveness and save money.

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West Yorkshire will become responsible for air operational assets belonging to forces and authorities across England and Wales, including employment of staff.

The chairman of West Yorkshire Police Authority, Coun Mark Burns-Williamson, said yesterday: “The information presented to us today convinced members of the merits of agreeing to West Yorkshire Police being put forward as the lead force for the National Police Air Service.

“This is clearly an ambitious and complex project with big implications for us going forward, but we recognised that West Yorkshire Police is well placed to deliver this service on behalf of all forces in England and Wales ahead of the closure of the National Policing Improvement Agency later this year.

“We have been reassured that there will be no adverse impact upon the force or council tax payers in West Yorkshire. The funding, risks and liabilities for NPAS will be covered by a National Collaboration Agreement, which all participating forces and authorities will sign up to.”

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He said approval was subject to full costings being obtained. The proposals could see South Yorkshire lose its helicopter but discussions have been taking place to try to keep it in use in the county.