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Police Commissioner Questions Justification of £6M Helicopter Costs

11/4/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Philip Wilkinson, Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner, says the £6 million National Police Air Service (NPAS) helicopter cost is unjustifiable.
Last year NPAS attended 1,650 incidents in the South West, including 139 in Wiltshire.
Local forces conducted 4,163 drone missions, including 765 in Wiltshire.
Chief Superintendent Fiona Gaffney defends the helicopter service’s operational benefits, noting its rural value.

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Story summary

Philip Wilkinson, Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner, says the £6 million National Police Air Service (NPAS) helicopter cost is unjustifiable.
Last year NPAS attended 1,650 incidents in the South West, including 139 in Wiltshire.
Local forces conducted 4,163 drone missions, including 765 in Wiltshire.
Chief Superintendent Fiona Gaffney defends the helicopter service’s operational benefits, noting its rural value.