High above Houston a whirring sound cuts through the air. That’s the Police Helicopter Patrol Heliport. We’re standing right in front of it.
This isn’t just any heliport. It’s the nerve center for the Houston Police Department’s Air Support Division. For decades these helicopters have patrolled the city’s sprawling landscape. They’ve played a vital role in countless missions. From high-speed chases to search and rescue operations. The Police Helicopter Patrol Heliport is crucial to the city’s safety.
Originally known as the Helicopter Patrol Division it began operations in 1970. Three rented Hughes 300B helicopters were used. Later they bought three Hughes 300Cs. They proved the feasibility of airborne law enforcement in Houston. The division’s current hangar at William P Hobby Airport was built in 1973. They transitioned to turbine-engine helicopters in 1975. They bought five Hughes 500Cs. They also used Hughes 300s later known as Schweizer 300s and now Sikorsky S-300s for training. A fixed-wing Cessna 182 was also used.
Funding for the division has fluctuated. At one point they flew over 14000 hours a year. Later this dropped to 4500 to 5000 hours annually. In 2004 things changed. Mayor William White restored the division’s capabilities. The name was also changed to the Air Support Division. They received nine new MD 500 helicopters. The goal was to keep at least one helicopter in the air almost all day.
Today the Police Helicopter Patrol Heliport is a symbol of Houston’s commitment to public safety. The helicopters are equipped with advanced technology. They include FLIR Systems thermal imagers and Nightsun searchlights. These tools allow officers to monitor situations effectively. The heliport itself is located at Hobby Airport. It boasts complete maintenance facilities. Four ground personnel and fourteen mechanics work around the clock. They handle most maintenance in house. The Police Helicopter Patrol Heliport truly is at the heart of Houston’s airborne law enforcement. It’s a testament to the city’s ongoing commitment to keeping its citizens safe.