SAN DIEGO (Border Report) — The new police helicopter to be purchased by the city of Tijuana will take on a dual purpose: it will help patrol the streets below and serve as an aerial ambulance.
“We are looking for a helicopter that can provide medical services, be equipped as an ambulance,” Fernando Sánchez González, director of Tijuana’s Public Safety and Protection. “We don’t want to use it solely for police matters, it needs to be a tool for civil protection, supporting firefighters and the Red Cross transporting injured people.”
The city of Tijuana hasn’t had a police helicopter since November 2017 when a copter called “Pegasus” crashed killing the two officers on board.
“Our city’s topography makes it difficult on occasion when there are events happening on hillsides, canyons, cliffs and other terrain,” Sánchez González said. “We dispatch drones, but they can’t cover the entire city.”
The city last week announced it was buying a helicopter to provide better public safety while responding to calls faster and from the air.
Sánchez González says they are looking for certified personnel with the experience to operate the chopper.
Tijuana Mayor Montserrat Caballero said the city is investing about $1.2 million for the aircraft, which is to be delivered by Oct. 1.
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