August 5, 1998

TO:Toronto Emergency & Protective Services Committee

FROM:Norman Gardner, Chairman

Toronto Police Services Board

SUBJECT:TORONTO POLICE SERVICE: AIR SERVICE

BUSINESS CASE

Recommendation:

It is recommended that the following report be received for information.

Council Reference/Background History:

At its meeting on July 16, 1998, the Toronto Police Services Board was in receipt of the following report JUNE 30, 1998 from David J. Boothby, Chief of Police:

"SUBJECT:TORONTO POLICE SERVICE, AIR SERVICE -

BUSINESS CASE

RECOMMENDATION:1. THAT, the Board receive the report.

2. THAT, the Board approve in principle the establishment of an Air Service as outlined in the report.

3. THAT, the Board approve $1.5 million in the 1999 Service Operating Budget for the establishment of an Air Service as outlined in the report, and,

4. THAT, the Board forward a copy of the report to the Emergency and Protection Services Committee.

BACKGROUND:

At its meeting September 18, 1997 (Minute No. 391/97 refers) the Board deleted the helicopter program from the Capital Budget to better prepare and evaluate their usefulness in a strategic way. At its meeting November 25, 1997 (Minute No. 468/97 refers) the Board contracted Research Management Consultants Inc., Dr. Kathryn Asbury, to prepare a report, "The Use of Helicopters in Municipal Law Enforcement". At its meeting December 12, 1997 (Minute No. 469/97 refers) that the Chief of Police provide the Board with a report outlining the source of funding for the business plan.

The Chief of Police chose not to make application to the Police Services Board, Special fund, for monies to hire an outside consultant firm. Internal expertise was employed to develop a Business Case as requested.

The executive summary of this report is appended for information.

Full copies have been supplied to the Chairman and Board Members and additional copies will be available at the Board meeting.

Deputy Chief Steve Reesor, Operational Support Command, will be in attendance at the Board meeting to answer any questions that the Board may have."

Conclusions:

Deputy Chief Steve Reesor and Detective Sergeant Brian Raybould, Operational Support Command, were in attendance and discussed this report with the Board.

The Board viewed a promotional video that had been developed by the Service about the use of helicopters in municipal police services.

The Board approved the following Motions:

1.THAT the Board receive the Chief's report;

2.THAT the Board approve, in principle, the establishment of an Air Service;

3.THAT the Board establish a committee to review the business case submitted by the Chief and:

• to explore innovative opportunities for joint corporate sponsorship
• to consider, as an alternative to the full Air Service program recommended by the Chief, the feasibility of establishing a pilot project utilizing one or two helicopters

4.THAT the committee be structured as follows: Chairman Gardner as Committee Chairman, two additional Board members, Deputy Chief Reesor, and other appropriate Service staff selected by Deputy Chief Reesor; and

5.THAT the Board forward a copy of this report to the Toronto Emergency & Protective Services Committee for information.

Contact Name and Telephone Number:

Deputy Chief Steven Reesor, Operational Support Command, 808-8001.

Respectfully submitted,

Norman Gardner

Chairman