Air Support Search and Rescue
The mission of the Air Support Unit is multifaceted with a primary duty of aerial support for patrol officers. The Air Support aircraft patrol over 8,000 square miles including outlying and residential areas of Clark County. Additional duties of the LVMPD Air Support include covert aerial surveillance of suspects, search and rescue, transport flights, Presidential motorcade escorts, and maintenance of the mountain top radio repeater sites.
The LVMPD Air Support fleet consists of five helicopters including one Airbus H145, one Airbus H125, and three McDonald Douglas 530F aircraft.
Air Support operates 20 hours a day, seven days a week. The unit is comprised of three commissioned sergeants, 13 full-time commissioned officer pilots, one maintenance supervisor and two aircraft mechanics.
In 2024 the Air Support Unit:
- 4,903 hours flown
- 9,341 calls for service
- 70 pursuits assisted
- 416 stolen vehicles recovered
- 1,173 aerial recordings of police incidents
- 1,088 suspects apprehended
- 91 Search and Rescue helicopter operations
Air Support
Updated on 03/20/2024 1:20 PM
A collection of LVMPD's helicopter fleet as of 2024.
LVMPD Search and Rescue
The LVMPD Search and Rescue Unit is tasked with all search and rescue operations in Clark County as mandated by NRS 248.092. To fulfill this duty, the unit undergoes extensive training in various techniques, including technical mountain rescue, dive search and recovery, swift water rescue, and helicopter operations, among others. Additionally, they provide tactical medical support for LVMPD SWAT operations.
The Search and Rescue Unit operates 24/7 throughout Clark County and is comprised of one commissioned sergeant and seven full-time commissioned officers. The unit conducts training, coordinates civilian volunteer forces, responds to tactical operations, and offers support to other department members. Officers also work around police helicopters and may serve as Hoist Operators in LVMPD rescue helicopters. Maintaining a high level of physical fitness is essential, with officers undergoing annual fitness and skills tests.
The unit includes five volunteer teams including the Mountain Rescue Team, Lead Climb Rescue Team, Dive Search and Recovery Team, Tactical Emergency Medical Support (TEMS) Team, and Logistics Team. These volunteers, committed to being available round-the-clock, bring expertise and dedication to every operation, willingly sacrificing their time to save lives and provide top-notch care to those in need.
Stay updated on Search and Rescue activities by following our social media platforms and visiting our website.