Scotland’s police helicopter is playing a major role in targeting the country’s gangland violence and helping bring those responsible to justice, the Daily Record can reveal. New figures show that use of the force chopper has increased by almost 30 percent in the last three years.
The crew flew 793 hours in 2025 compared to 568 the previous year and 537 in 2023. In the same period the number of ‘deployments’ that were firearms related rose from 39 to 59.
Call outs to trace ‘suspected persons’ rose from 52 to 111, while the number of vehicle pursuits rose from 51 to 92. Since March last year Police Scotland have been involved in a major offensive against organised crime through Operation Portaledge.
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It was launched last year following an outbreak of violence in Edinburgh and Glasgow linked to a long running feud between the Glasgow based Lyons and Daniel crime families. To date more than 60 people have been arrested and a number of people handed lengthy jail terms.
Graeme Pearson, former Director General of the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency, was involved in the introduction of the police helicopter more than 35 years ago and welcomes its role in tackling the country’s crime gangs. Mr Pearson added: “If you are looking a pre planned effort for serious and organised crime then the helicopter up in the air can see if property is being dispose or if people are escaping out of a window.
“If folk are hiding guns then the helicopter can see what is going on. If the High Court needs photographs of a scenes of crime then no one can do it better than a helicopter.
“Over the years there has been increasing awareness of the value of the helicopter. It covers such a sizeable piece of ground quickly.”
The helicopter deployment figures were released by Police Scotland under Freedom of Information. Mr Pearson added: “Officers on foot would take two or three times as long to cover the same area if they are giving chase to a suspect.
“It is far more efficient to do it by helicopter even though the helicopter is an expensive resource. The experience that the crews have gathered over the years has built up an expertise.
“A helicopter can also identify problems on the ground during an operation or arrest before they occur.”
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David Kennedy, General Secretary of the Scottish Police Federation, says helicopter crews have been very effective in recent years in identifying cannabis farms because of the heat they give off. He said: “We need to use every means possible to fight crime and bring offenders to justice.
“If you are searching for or chasing a suspect then you don’t have to have police cars doing the same. If you are following from the air it is much safer for both the officers and the public.
“It is an asset that we wouldn’t want to lose. Would we like more, yes.. But it is just the cost.”
The helicopter is also used to locate missing persons or where there is concern for someone’s safety as well as policing football matches, demonstrations and other public gatherings. Last year officers in Glasgow used it the most calling on its support for 209 incidents. That was followed by Lanarkshire 157, Ayrshire 113 and Renfrewshire 56.
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Chief Inspector Andy Scott said: “Police Scotland covers the largest and most diverse geographical area in the United Kingdom, and this unique landscape makes the helicopter a key national asset which supports local policing and communities.
“By using the helicopter and drones, our air support unit can help officers on the ground locate missing people, save lives, pursue suspects, and support crowd safety at events.”
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