Winnipeg police are moving closer to reaching their goal to get a helicopter to patrol over the city.
The city's protection committee approved the purchase of the helicopter, passing it on to the mayor's executive policy committee for review.
"I think this will really demonstrate to our citizens that we take this issue seriously," says Coun. Grant Nordman.
Police say the helicopter can respond to 60 per cent of all in-progress calls, ranging from everything from car chases to robberies. Officers say that by making some arrests quicker, it reduces the need for follow-up investigations.
Det. Sgt. Dave Dalal says that a helicopter allows for better use of resources and increases the chance of catching suspects.
Winnipeg police also say that by being able to follow suspects from a safe distance, officers can do their jobs more safely.
The city has set aside $3.5 million to purchase the helicopter and build a hangar. Negotiations with the province are ongoing about getting funds for the operations costs in place.
The project will only get off the ground if the province kicks in $1.3 million in operating funds every year.
Winnipeg Police Chief Keith McCaskill says he hopes a decision is made soon.
"Obviously the best bang for the buck would be in the summer months, because crime rates increase, and when it's warmer, it decreases when it's colder, but we'll put it up when we can," says McCaskill.
Winnipeg police also hope a helicopter leads to savings in one area by lowering the damages to cruiser cars. In 2008, the city paid out about $400,000 to fix cruiser cars damaged from pursuits and emergency driving.
- with a report from CTV's Kelly Dehn
