In an open letter to the Operations Director of the Police Air Authority, the decorated naval helicopter pilot and Conservative Candidate for Police and Crime Commissioner, Tony Hogg, has called for a formal agreement between Devon and Cornwall Police and RNAS Culdrose to ensure rapid emergency helicopter response to the whole force area:
Dear Mr Dismore,
As you know, the new National Police Air Service pledges a response time of 20 minutes for 98% of the population. In Devon and Cornwall the nearest helicopter will be based at Exeter airport, resulting in approximately two thirds of Cornwall falling outside the 20 minute target and the Isles of Scilly approximately 50 minutes away. This assumes availability of the police helicopter at Exeter. The rural nature of parts of Devon and Cornwall can make a rapid helicopter response all the more important.
Notwithstanding the faster flying speeds of the police helicopter, I would like to propose a formal agreement between NPAS and RNAS Culdrose for Culdrose to augment and back up rapid response policing cover where needed in addition to their well publicised Search and Rescue tasking from the maritime rescue co-ordination centres. I know from my naval experience that Culdrose have already been involved in support of the police on isolated occasions. As a result Devon and Cornwall could truthfully say that 98% of their population are supported by a rapid response helicopter rescue and policing service.
Where minutes can be crucial, I urge you to consider this proposal.
Kind regards,
Tony Hogg
ENDS
Contact: Tony Hogg on 07799 661795
Pictured: Tony Hogg in his days as a Helicopter pilot