Phoenix Police to Cut Aviation Budget

A recent city audit deemed the Phoenix Police Department's air-support unit fleet too large and redundant and some of its practices too costly.

So, the department will soon surrender three of its helicopters — a move some of the unit's leaders say will leave them "bare bones."

The fleet reduction, combined with other recommended changes, could save about $3.3 million during the next fiscal year.

About 30 employees work with the unit, which has eight helicopters, one twin-engine helicopter it uses with the fire department for rescues, and four airplanes, a fleet that has cost nearly $33 million to accumulate over the past few decades. A 2006 voter-approved public-safety bond covered some of that cost.

The city's 530-square-mile size and sprawling nature make for ample demand for the unit's skills — an airborne officer can see for miles and reach any corner of the Valley within minutes, Chief Pilot Paul Apolinar told the Arizona Republic .

Police police spokesman Sgt. Trent Crump said it's nice to have a large fleet, but the department must weigh what is necessary in tight economic times.