Air Support Unit

As April 2012 sees the launch of a new National Police Air Service, reshaping the way our skies are policed, the North West forces are getting ahead of the game with the introduction of a North West Air Operations Group (NWAOG).

The North West Air Operations Group goes live on July 18, 2011, and will be a new way of delivering air support across the North West region.

Five forces in the North West - North Wales Police, Greater Manchester Police, Lancashire Constabulary, Cheshire Constabulary and Merseyside Police- will have four helicopters, based at 4 different locations throughout the North West, providing a service anywhere in the region, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The collaboration will enable the five forces, the ability to cope better with demands, due to 24-hour cover, with efficient use of all 4 helicopters, enabling the forces to make further savings whilst maintaining resilience across the region.

Chief Superintendent Jed Manley is the northwest regional collaboration coordinator, and he is positive about the developments within air support, "The collaboration of air support within our region will ensure that we are operationally ready for the national project in April 2012.

A new site for the North West Air Operations Group is currently being developed and will be available soon, which will include details such as, why a helicopter may have been seen over your area.

We appreciate your support in relation to these changes and as a member of the public you will remain to receive the highest level of service from your Force.